BURNLEY'S Bathstore has been left at risk after the company fell into administration after "months of difficult trading".

The town's Bathstore, in Church Street, is one of 135 stores across the UK operated by the company.

The retail chain collapsed into administration today, leaving hundreds of jobs at stores up and down the country at risk. It is unknown as of yet how many staff members of the Bolton branch will be affected as administrators seek a rescue buyer. The future of 531 members of staff who work for Bathstore across the retail stores and head office has now been thrown into doubt.

Despite stores being shuttered with notices of administration pinned to the doors, the business will keep on trading to complete customer orders.

Outstanding customer orders will be fulfilled subject to available stock, but all installation services have ceased immediately.

The collapse comes after a failed sales process for the business, which has been owned by American billionaire Warren Stephens since he backed a management buyout in 2014.

Business advisory firm BDO has moved in as the administrator for Bathstore.

BDO is now on the hunt for a new buyer in the hopes of saving the company.

Ryan Grant, business restructuring partner at BDO, said: "Despite significant investment into the business over the past five years, Bathstore has struggled to overcome the well-documented challenges facing the UK retail sector.

"The appointment was made after several months of difficult trading, and the failure of ongoing talks to find a buyer for the business.

"Bathstore is continuing to trade in administration, whilst the administrators seek a buyer."

The failure is the latest blow for the British high street, which is still reeling from a growing list of administrations and store closures.

Retailers of big-ticket items such as furniture and home fittings have faced particular challenges as consumers hold back on making major purchases amid economic uncertainty.

In the home and furniture sector, Carpetright was among those to shutter stores and ask for rent reductions last year.