QUESTION marks have emerged over the future of several GAME stores across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Last night bosses at the retailer confirmed that 40 stores were set to close across the UK.

But there has been no official confirmation yet over whether their stores in Bolton, Bury, Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington, Preston and Wigan are among them.

A GAME spokesman said: "GAME has today confirmed it intends to close 40 stores throughout the UK.

"To date 13 sites have had notice served including existing GAME sites in Mansfield, Canterbury, Watford, Glasgow Fort and Leicester.

"Yesterday, notice was served on a further 14 sites impacting outlets owned mostly by Intu and New River. The sites include Derby, Norwich Chapelfield, Lakeside, Bexleyheath and Carmarthen.

"GAME intends to serve notice on the additional sites in the near future.

"We are working closely with landlords throughout the UK to ensure that we do not have to vacate the 40 locations which could lead to a number of job losses.

"However, we are facing a challenging retail market and GAME with its extensive retail footprint, needs to restructure and landlords need to work with us in setting realistic, fair rents."

The company has also not released figures on how many jobs will be affected by the closure announced to date.