The staff of Ipswich’s Poundworld store said final goodbyes to customers earlier this week as the discount store closed its doors for the last time.

Now, the premises on Tavern Street stand vacant.

Poundworld, which formerly operated 335 stores and employed 5,100 people, recently went into administration

and has been closing stores up and down the country.

Boardman and Daniel Butters, restructuring partners at Deloitte, were appointed as joint administrators to the company on 11 June.

Clare Boardman, joint administrator, said: “We would like to thank all the employees for their continued support and commitment during this difficult time.

“We are keeping staff appraised of developments as they happen.”

Yesterday, they announced that more than 500 jobs are set to be lost as a further 40 stores will be closed. A total of 531 employees will leave the business when these shops shut on Tuesday 24 July.

Deloitte has said discussions continue between the administrators and interested parties for the potential sale of part, or parts, of the remaining business.