Bristol greengrocer Stokes plc goes into administration

Stokes was set up 30 years ago in Keynsham, Bristol

Bristol greengrocers chain Stokes plc has gone into administration resulting in 65 redundancies across ten stores.

The company, which claims it is largest independent greengrocer in the UK, employs 277 staff in 27 stores in south-west England and Wales.

Richard Hill, partner at administrators KPMG, said: "Unfortunately, declining sales in some stores have resulted in losses being incurred."

The remaining 17 stores will continue to trade while a new buyer is found.

The company, which has its headquarters in St Phillips, Bristol, closed down 10 of its stores earlier in October before administrators were called in.

"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," said Mr Hill.

The affected stores include Bath, Exeter, Abergavenny, Falmouth and Sherborne.