THE Bury-born deputy chairman of Intu Properties, John Whittaker, has stepped down from the Trafford Centre owner's board.

Mr Whittaker, who grew up in Edenfield, is no longer on the board, according to a filing with Companies House, which was released yesterday.

The date of termination for Mr Whittaker, who is registered in the Isle of Man on the company's filing, is recorded as June 26.

And a report in the Retail Gazette claims he has not been attending board meetings for three or four months.

Intu is currently in administration while options are considered over the shopping centre's future.

Six of his fellow directors have also stepped down, it has been revealed.

The only figure to remain is David Hargrave, who was brought into the business as chief restructuring officer in May.

Mr Whitaker, the chairman of the Peel Group, has held a 25 per cent stake in Intu, after he sold the Trafford Centre to the company in 2011.

Debts have crippled Intu and the outbreak of coronavirus has decimated retailers, with lower rent payments an ongoing burden.