House of Fraser's Carlisle department store has been saved from closure.

Almost 70 jobs have been safeguarded through a deal to keep the imposing English Street outlet open.

It is one of a string of the struggling chain's stores nationally where shutdown plans have been scrapped following a £90m takeover by retail tycoon Mike Ashley.

Agents for his firm, Sports Direct, say the city decision "saves a key store in Carlisle" and "gives House of Fraser the platform to invest properly in creating a sustainable long-term department store offer".

They revealed yesterday that they had "agreed commercial terms" to remain at 26-40 English Street, a store that extends to 95,500sq ft.

The News & Star understands that the sprawling outlet was profitable before it was initially earmarked for closure as House of Fraser's financial problems deepened under its previous ownership.

The decision has been welcomed by political leaders who were quick to lobby to have the branch saved following Mr Ashley's takeover, selling the benefits of staying in the city with him.

There had been serious fears about what the impact of such a large empty building could have on the city centre had the closure gone ahead.

Carlisle City Council leader Colin Glover, who wrote to the Newcastle United owner, said: "This is positive news for Carlisle and we welcome House of Fraser's commitment to the city, as an important store in its own right. It is great that jobs will be saved.

"This is an important store, an important business. We know there are concessions in the store that trade very well. It is important that we are able to recover these jobs."

City MP John Stevenson also made representations to keep the store open and said of the decision: "It's brilliant news.

"House of Fraser is an important employer. This decision shows confidence that Carlisle is a good location, it safeguards jobs and demonstrates confidence in the city generally."

As closure was announced earlier this summer, it was confirmed that 150 staff were employed at the city store, all of who faced losing their jobs.

The new deal will safeguard 67 posts, Sports Direct say. It is believed these are people employed directly by House of Fraser, rather than in concessions, details of which are not yet clear.

Talks have been taking place with landlords nationally to come up with packages to keep as many House of Fraser branches open as possible.

News of the Carlisle u-turn comes just days after a closure plans at a number of other stores - including that on London's Oxford Street - were scrapped.

In various guises the store has been a key part of the city's shopping and social scene for generations.

It began life as Robinson Brothers in 1889, became Binns - which many shoppers still affectionately call the store - in 1933 and later rebranding as House of Fraser following a takeover.

James Keany, head of national agency at CBRE, who acted on the negotiations, said: "This is another deal to add those agreed last week.

"The team have been working round the clock and over the bank holiday weekend to secure as many deals as possible safeguarding stores and jobs for the local communities across the country."

The news was also welcomed by customers, many of whom heard the development as they enjoyed a day of bank holiday shopping.

Mr Ashley has pledged to save about 47 of House of Fraser's 59 outlets since buying the department store out of administration, beating off a rival bid from Cumbrian landowner and Edinburgh Woollen Mill owner Philip day.

Mr Ashley, who also owns Newcastle United, has pledged to turn House of Fraser into the "Harrods of the high street" by bringing in more high-end brands.

There has been speculation that he will start introducing his other brands, such as Flannels and Sports Direct, into House of Fraser stores.

Sports Direct already has branches in Carlisle City Centre and Gretna Gateway Outlet Village.

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