ADMINISTRATORS say more than 370 off-licences across the country owned by Threshers could be closed for good with the loss of 1,700 jobs.

The company’s parent firm, First Quench, which has Wine Rack branches in Malmesbury and Tetbury, also trades as Victoria Wines, The Local, Bottoms Up and Haddows.

It was put into administration last month. A total of 100 out of 1500 stores have already shut, 247 will trade until November 25 and another 126 until December 2.

Richard Fleming, joint administrator explained: "Unfortunately, after reviewing the viability of the store network, 373 loss-making stores are to be closed."

The company has struggled to compete with supermarkets over the past year. Further problems were caused by property costs.

Mr Fleming added that liquidation sales would be held at each of the stores due to close from today.