BROMLEY town centre is facing a crisis of confidence this week with fears its flagship store, Allders, could close.

The troubled department store chain was put up for sale by property group Minerva in December.

If a buyer cannot be found, there are concerns the business could soon be forced into administration.

Bromley's Allders store, which employs an estimated 200 people, has been the High Street centrepiece since the late 1970s.

Now Alchemy Partners has put in an offer for the chain, reportedly more than £150m in debt, and is one of several private-equity companies willing to take on all 45 stores.

HILCO emerged as another leading bidder last week when it bought up £80m of the company's debts, while other potential buyers believed to be interested in particular stores include Peacocks, Debenhams and Associated British Foods, which owns Primark.

House of Fraser could bid but Bromley appears an unlikely destination after Army and Navy, which it owns, quit the town last year.

And this week John Lewis, already considering a move to Croydon, said it "had no plans" to come to Bromley.

Meanwhile, shoppers gave a mixed reaction to the news.

Sandy Greenfield, 55, who works in Community House, South Street, Bromley, said: "It's the end. People will take their money elsewhere and Bromley will become a village again."

Jeff Watley, 60, of Stoketon Road, Orpington, said: "It's like losing your favourite pub but I hope they bring John Lewis in."

And Jill Aebi, 60, of Bromley Road, Beckenham, said: "I'm not happy with Allders anyway. Customer service isn't as good as it used to be."

Allders is remaining tight-lipped while the sale is going on and Jon Moulton, who runs Alchemy, did not wish to comment.

A Bromley Council spokesman said: "We are aware the 45 Allders stores have been on the market for some months but understand they are being sold as going concerns."

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