ADMINISTRATORS have confirmed that a town centre store which was under threat of closure will continue trading for the time being.

It was announced yesterday that a total of 66 HMV stores across the country will be closing in the next few months, but Swindon’s Regent Street store was not on the list.

HMV, which currently has 220 stores, called in the administrators last month.

A spokesman for administrators Deloitte said: “Stores that are not on the list will continue as normal.

“HMV is still in administration and the administrators are continuing to seek a sale for the business as a going concern.”

The 66 shops have been identified as part of an ongoing review of the company's financial position.

Hopes of a rescue deal have been raised after restructuring firm, Hilco, bought the company’s debt.

Last month the Adver reported that all 16 staff at the Swindon store could face redundancy.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “We don’t know the final results of the changes or what will happen to the HMV chain in the future but I am pleased to hear that we were not on that list.

“It may well be something to do with the fact that footfall in Swindon town centre continues to increase and HMV is a very popular store in the heart of our town centre.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “It is fantastic news the Swindon store will continue trading. It is an integral part of our town centre.

“As a music fan myself I am delighted the HMV chain looks set to continue and, while the industry is faced with the onslaught of internet downloading and supermarket sales, HMV still has more than 100 million people a year footfall and 70 per cent of the High Street music business.

“I hope HMV in some form will be able to continue to remain a key part of the nation’s High Streets.”

Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh said: “It is positive the store is staying open.

“Anything that keeps retail presence on the High Street is good. It is all about jobs at the end of the day.”