A LEADING UK tiles supplier has shut 56 of its stores including in Basildon after falling into administration.

The company, which ran 86 stores across the UK and employed 425 staff, fell into insolvency on Monday after coming under pressure from a downturn in the home improvement sector.

Administrators from Interpath Advisory said competitor Topps had struck a deal to buy CTD’s brands, intellectual property, stock, 30 stores and operation of distribution sites in Leeds and Kings Norton, Birmingham, for around £9 million.

However it was confirmed that the remaining 56 shops had now shut, including its store in Basildon at the Pipps Hill retail park.

Closure - CTD Tiles in Pipps Hill Retail Park is closingClosure - CTD Tiles in Pipps Hill Retail Park is closing (Image: CTD Tiles)

Adele Brown, who is the ward councillor for Fryerns which covers Pipps Hill Retail Park, said: “The closure of CTD tiles at Pipps Hill is a significant setback for our town, particularly at a time when the cost of living is putting immense pressure on local families.

“The loss of jobs from these closures will undoubtedly have a profound impact on those affected.

"This administration remains committed to the regeneration of Basildon, Gavin Callaghan is dedicated to bringing new employment opportunities to our borough."

Difficulty - Councillor Adele Brown said the closure was a significant step back for the townDifficulty - Councillor Adele Brown said the closure was a significant step back for the town (Image: Basildon Council)

She added: “In line with this vision, councillor Jess Powers is actively working on initiatives related to economic development, skills and training and employment.

“Our goal is to ensure that Basildon not only recovers from setbacks like this but emerges stronger, with more resilient job opportunities for all our residents.”

In Essex, four stores have immediately shut, including in Chelmsford Trade Park, the Cowdray Centre in Colchester, and Dukes Park in Harlow.

It has been confirmed that 268 workers being made redundant immediately across all the 56 stores.

James Lumb, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator of CTD Tiles, said: “We are now focused on supporting those staff and have specialist teams on site working with impacted employees to help make representations to the Redundancy Payments Service where relevant.”

CTD Tiles were contacted for comment on Essex’s job losses.