KENDAL'S Ethel Austin branch is to close, the company's administrators have confirmed.

No final trading date has been set for the Highgate store but a closing down sale has already begun.

Accountants at MCR revealed Kendal was one of nearly 100 Ethel Austin branches facing the axe.

In a statement, they assured staff that wages would be paid on the usual dates.

MCR said efforts were still being made to find a buyer for the retailer, which also includes the Au Naturale homeware chain.