SCORES of jobs could be lost across south Essex after a major high street chain went into administration.

Barratts and Priceless Shoes, which has branches in Basildon, Lakeside and Southend, employs 3,840 staff in 191 stores and 371 concessions across the UK.

It is the second time the business has been put into administration since 2009 and is another famous name in trouble on the High Street.

Malcolm Buckley, councillor with responsibility for the environment in Basildon, said: “This is very disappointing news and the last thing we want is more empty shops in Basildon.

“It seems to be happening more and more.

“The council will do all it can to help.

“The shops are very well used by Basildon shoppers.”

A spokesman for the Essex Federation of Small Businesses added: “It’s disappointing news this has happened to a major high street chain.”

Administrator Deloitte will be keeping the stores open as it looks for a new buyer for the chain.

Daniel Butters, a spokes-man for Deloitte, said: “Barratts and Priceless Shoes have faced a downturn in trading as a result of the difficult economic conditions.

“This has been exacerbated by the unseasonably mild weather in recent weeks which resulted in fewer sales across new winter lines.”