COWLEY: Stokes fruit and vegetable shop is still trading as normal, with its 13 staff waiting to hear their future after the greengrocery chain went into administration.

Some 65 jobs have been axed nationwide as accountants KPMG search for a buyer for the family company, which claims to be the UK's largest independent greengrocer. The manager at Templars Square, Cowley, who declined to be named, said the store's 13 full- and part-time staff had been given no clue about their future.

Richard Hill, joint administrator and partner at KPMG said: “Unfortunately, declining sales in some stores have resulted in losses being incurred. Despite efforts to reduce costs, these losses have resulted in significant cash-flow problems and the company was unable to continue without a radical restructuring."

The Cowley shop is one of only 17 continuing to trade while a buyer is sought. Ten shops closed yesterday, following another ten closures earlier this month. Stokes still employs 277 people, including 30 at its Bristol headquarters.

Anyone interested in buying the chain should contact Liz Turner at KPMG on 0117 905 4763.