STAFF at a Northwich clothes store were left stunned - and jobless - when bailiffs cleared the shop floor of all stock without warning.

Yes and Co in Witton Street, which employs six members of staff, was closed down last week as part of a regional company takeover.

The firm, which has eight branches across the north west and the Midlands, has been bought by Modern Trading Limited and company bosses say they are planning to revamp and restock its stores.

But staff say they knew nothing about the decision to close the Northwich branch until bailiffs turned up unexpectedly on Wednesday.

One worker, who does not wish to be named, said everyone had been left in the dark, including the shop's loyal customers.

"I could understand if they had told us there were problems and that we were going to lose our jobs," she said.

Shock

"But the way that they have done it, without saying sorry or getting in touch, is wrong and has come as a real shock."

The closure came just six days after company spokesman Fred Greenwood told the Guardian's sister paper in Warrington that staff redundancies would be arranged.

Mr Greenwood stated: "Some stores have closed down which have not been performing, but this is a short term thing.

"In the meantime staff will be paid and redundancy arranged.

"They will also have the chance to get their jobs back when the store reopens."

Mr Greenwood was not available for further comment as the Guardian went to press last night, Tuesday.

htutt@guardiangrp.co.uk