RETAIL and council chiefs say the news that Bolton’s HMV shop will stay open shows belief in the town centre.

Administrators at Deloitte, the accountancy firm, announced that the Crompton Place store was safe from the closure of 66 other UK branches.

The news means the shop’s 10 jobs are secure — although more than 900 other HMV workers face redundancy elsewhere.

Shops in Rochdale, Ashton-under-Lyne, Wigan and Blackburn are among those set to close, along with one of the two Manchester city centre stores.

Malcolm Angus, manager of Crompton Place, said: “It is terrific news for the centre and terrific news for the town. I am delighted for the staff at the Bolton store who have been facing a difficult and uncertain time.

“HMV is an integral and much valued part of our centre and we are pleased the doors will remain open for the six million customers a year who visit Crompton Place.”

Cllr Christopher Peacock called on shoppers to support HMV when it went into administration late last month.

He visited the Crompton Place shop, met staff and urged shoppers to support local shops.

Cllr Peacock said: “I’m delighted the Bolton store is going to remain open. It shows the confidence the people of Bolton have in it and its hard-working staff. It also shows the confidence the administrators have in Bolton town centre.

“I repeat my call for all residents to continue supporting their town centre shops across the borough. They will only stay open if we shop in them.”

Cllr Cliff Morris, Bolton Council leader, said: “This is excellent news for Bolton. HMV is an iconic retailer and the shop has been part of our town centre for more than 30 years.

“The fact it will remain open is a vote of confidence in the town centre and is good news for shoppers and the local people who work there.”

No dates have yet been given for the closure of the 66 affected shops. They will all continue to trade but it is expected closures will take place over the next two months. HMV currently has 220 UK branches.

High street traders have been hit hard in recent months, with Comet, Jessops and Blockbuster branches all closing.