The company collapsed on Wednesday night and administrator MCR is trying to sell the business as a going concern.

According to MCR, "The company is continuing to operate whilst the administrators examine the financial position of the company.

"In the meantime, all MFI stores remain open for the sale of display stock only."

However, this was not the case at Eastbourne's MFI yesterday. A sign was put in the entrance of the Lottbridge Drove premises urging people to visit the MCR website, www.mcr.uk.com

David Fleet, manager of MFI in Eastbourne, said he could not comment on the number of Eastbourne jobs at risk and explained he was unsure what was happening and was waiting to hear from the administrators.

"We are not selling anything or offering refunds," said Mr Fleet.
"We are just here to advise people to contact the administrators."

The Eastbourne branch is one of 110 MFI stores across the UK and the collapse of the firm has put more than 1,000 jobs at risk.

Customers across the country are also concerned about orders they have placed.

A MCR spokesperson said, "A full review of all customer orders is currently taking place by the administrators in order to determine which orders it is possible to fulfil.

"The administrators will be contacting all customers as soon as is reasonably practical to advise as to whether individual orders will be fulfilled.

"In the event that certain orders are not fulfilled, it is the current intention of management to refund all cash or cheque and debit card depositors and allow credit card depositors to seek a refund from their credit card provider.

"Please note that customer queries are not being handled by the stores and that stores are unable to deal with any refund queries."

n JOBS are under threat in Hailsham and Seaford after High Street chain Woolworths went into administration.

The national retailer, reportedly saddled by £385 million of debt, announced yesterday (Thursday) it would no longer be able to operate as a going concern.

It added the company's 815 stores in the UK, including the branches in Hailsham and Seaford town centres, would stay open past Christmas and Woolworths' employees in stores will be paid.

The company had tried to sell itself for a nominal price of £1 to restructuring firm Hilco, which would have taken on the retailer's debt, but this deal fell through.