Irish household goods firm files for administration

Irish household goods and electrical chain Gatenby has fallen into administration after being hit by difficult trading conditions.

The family-run group, which ran six shops across County Durham, including three in Coxhoe, Crook and Wheatley Hill, was already on its second life. It was on the brink of administration in 2007 when its accountant was jailed for gambling £353,733 of Gatenby's money. Fiona Dove was jailed but was only asked to repay £16,000.

The Gatenby family tried in vain to save the business but the credit crunch put paid to their hopes and, 50 years after the group first began trading, the administrators have been called in.

RSM Tenon of Sunderland have been appointed as administrators and are expected to be in touch to advise those with existing orders or outstanding payments. The administration could lead to the loss of 40 jobs.

Local residents are hoping the firm, which was popular for its service and flexible payment schemes and sold televisions, kitchen appliances and furniture, can reopen at some point.

Dennis Ramsey, 67, of West Cornforth, said, “You just can’t replace shops like this. It’s very sad. We have been shopping there because they were someone you could trust. I hope they get sorted and are able to reopen.”