The deal with Edinburgh Woollen Mill will save 388 shops and more than 6,000 jobs but administrators from KPMG said it had been forced to close 224 stores including those in Shropshire with immediate effect, leading to 3,100 redundancies.

Peacocks, which had £240m of debt, went into administration and was put up for sale last month after it reportedly failed to persuade its lenders, including Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland, to enter a debt for equity deal.

Chris Laverty, joint administrator and restructuring partner at KPMG, commented: “Today’s deal ensures the continued trading of a well known name on the high street. While it is unfortunate that redundancies have been necessary, we are pleased that we have been able to preserve the majority of the business and jobs.

“Like many other retailers, Peacocks suffered from a decline in consumer spending due to the tough economic conditions and this, combined with a surplus of stores and unsustainable capital structure led to the business becoming financially unviable. However, a strong brand presence and loyal customer following meant that Peacocks attracted a great deal of interest from both trade and private equity bidders, leading to today’s successful sale. I would take this opportunity to thank the management team and staff for their continued assistance in very difficult circumstances; their support has been invaluable in securing today’s sale.”

Philip Day, chairman and chief executive of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, based in Langholm in Scotland, said: “We look forward to working with our new colleagues to rebuild the business in what is a very tough economic environment for High Street retailers in the UK.”

Mr Day said he hoped there would be scope to save more jobs and stores from those being forced to close due to performance issues and overhead pressures.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill last year bought 33 of Jane Norman’s 94 stores out of administration, saving some 400 jobs.

Fashion chain Bonmarche, which was part of the Peacock Group, was sold last month in a deal that will lead to 1,400 job losses and 160 store closures. Private equity firm Sun European Partners bought 230 stores and will continue to employ 2,400 staff.

Detectives from Avon and Somerset Police have been working alongside detectives from West Mercia Police and the Crown Prosecution Service and will continue to do so.

Farrow is accused of murdering the Reverend John Suddards in Thornbury between 13 and 14 February this year and Betty Yates in Bewdley between 1 and 5 January.

In addition the 47-year-old faces a charge of burglary relating to a property in Thornbury, between 21 December, 2011, and 3 January, 2012.

Betty Yates who was found murdered at her cottage on the outskirts of Bewdley.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Crisp from Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Major Crime Investigation Team said: “I would like to thank members of the public once again for the support they have shown us and for their courage in providing us with vital information.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson of West Mercia Police said: “I would also like to express my gratitude to those members of the public who have helped us and responded to our appeals and I would also still encourage people to come forward and talk to us if they have information which could assist our inquiry.

“We still have a strong police presence in Bewdley and hope this will help reassure people that the area, and indeed the whole of the West Mercia, remains a very safe place in which to live, work and visit.”

CPS Senior District Crown Prosecutor Siân Sullivan said: “Having reviewed this case in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, I have today decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Stephen Farrow with the murders of Betty Yates and John Suddards. I have also authorised a charge of burglary at a separate address in Thornbury.”

Farrow will appear at North Avon Magistrates Court on Thursday, 23 February, 2012.

Police also thanked members of the public for their support during the investigation to date.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “We strongly remind the owners of works vans, such as builders, plumbers and electricians, not to leave expensive equipment in their vehicles overnight.

“These vehicles may be targeted by thieves and it will only take a few moments to break in and seize anything of value.

“Our crime prevention advice is to remove all items of value overnight. It is well worth the time and trouble.”

Police have also issued an appeal for witnesses or information concerning the Market Drayton incident.

Thieves smashed a window to gain entry to the Vauxhall Astra estate while it was parked on the drive of a home in Farcroft Drive between 4.30pm on Monday and 7.30am yesterday.

Power tools stolen were a Bosch electric drill, a Makita 18v battery drill, a Makita 14v battery drill, a diamond core Makita 10 piece drill set and a diamond core Makita drill.

The thieves also stole a headrest from the vehicle and caused about £100 damage.

Information to Market Drayton police station on the 101 non-emergency number or to the anonymous and independent Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.

Joanne White, an employment specialist at Linder Myers solicitors in Shrewsbury.

Generally speaking, employees will fall into one of the following categories. Those who plan to:

• take time off during the Olympic Games to act as a volunteer – confirmation to successful applicants has yet to be announced
• take time off because they have bought tickets for certain events
• take time off for a reason unconnected with the Olympic Games but who feel that people who have a connection with the Olympics are being treated more favourably

The main issue you face as an employer is likely to be managing attendance. If you know this is likely to be an issue in the summer, you should start discussing it with your staff now.

Holiday Policy
If you already have a holiday policy in place, you may wish to keep things simple and follow that policy. This is likely to include a rule that time off will be granted on a “first come first served” basis. Whilst this approach is totally acceptable, you may need to deal with employees who have bought tickets for events before booking holiday. Depending on what your holiday policy says, this may be a case of “unauthorised absence” if the employee takes the time off without authority and so you may wish to establish early on, if you have any employees who fall into this category.

Flexible Working
A less formal approach may be to apply a flexible working policy for the duration of the Olympics. This is more likely to be applicable to those employees who do not want to take a lot of time off but who may wish to watch a particular event on certain days during normal working hours. Whether or not this will work will obviously depend on the structure and needs of your business but it is a useful way to maintaining good morale within the workforce.

Performance Issues
You may experience problems with staff watching lengthy coverage of the Olympic Games on their computers during normal working hours or failing to turn up for their shift following attendance at the Olympic Games or watching it on TV at home. You may wish to consider planning for popular sporting events in advance – perhaps give staff access to a TV during agreed times, provided they make up that time later on in the day/week etc. However, ultimately, there is no legal right to take time off to watch or volunteer at the Olympics and so performance issues should be dealt with under your normal disciplinary procedure. It is advisable to warn staff of this in advance of the start of the Olympics.

If you have an employment issue or query contact Joanne White, an Employment Specialist with Linder Myers at joanne.white@lindermyers.co.uk

Questions and Answers on Volunteering at the Olympic Games

Where issues involve volunteers for the Olympic Games, as an employer it is important for you to understand the legal rights of volunteers and the responsibilities you have towards them and how volunteering could help your business. For example, volunteering could help develop your employees’ skills. However, you still need to protect your business interests.

You may be asked many questions by your staff in the lead-up to the Olympics, particularly if they have applied to be a volunteer. However, the following may assist as a starting point in answering some of those questions:-

Two of my staff have got volunteer positions at the Olympics. I can only let one go. What’s the best way of handling this?
The key to avoiding potential misunderstanding or conflict is to have a clear policy in advance and communicate this to all staff. That way, everyone knows where they stand and you look after your business needs. Your policy need not be very complicated – a simple process of ‘first come, first served’ may be enough.

I have a member of staff who has got a volunteer place at the Olympics. Do they need to use their own holiday?
Employees have no legal right to take time off for volunteering. You can decide to give paid or unpaid time off or, if not, the employee may wish to take annual leave. Many employers encourage their employees to volunteer to help develop their skills and give employees an agreed quota of paid days leave per year to volunteer – typically, about two days a year.

I have a member of staff who has got a volunteer place at the Olympics. Am I expected to pay for them while they volunteer?
There is no legal right to be paid for volunteering. Volunteering is something employees often do because of their own interest, but increasingly employers are recognising the business benefits of volunteering – in terms of developing skills and supporting the local community. If your employee is taking special leave then it would be up to you to decide whether that will be paid or unpaid.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, contact Joanne White, an Employment Specialist with Linder Myers at joanne.white@lindermyers.co.uk

Jackfield - Tube Lining at Craven Dunnill

Taking inspiration from the artists’ studios nearby, the Museum’s second Colour Festival will also give you a chance to experiment with colour through a variety of hands-on activities.

On arrival walk through the galleries and period room settings, which tell the story of the UK ceramic tile industry, and meet the curator who will show you special pieces from the Museum’s collection. Then join the workshops to experiment using glazes to create your own artwork. You can try your hand at enamelling jewellery and firing it in the small kiln, or join a drop-in tile decorating session with makers Craven Dunnill; these activities carry an extra charge.

Next discover more about the science behind colour in our drop-in room where there will be a range of interactive displays and activities. Separate light using a prism, look at the difference between light and pigment and see how dyes are made. There will also be a variety of free paper activities including a family trail and tours of the Craven Dunnill factory.

Open 10am to 5pm, Jackfield Tile Museum is one of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. An Annual Passport Ticket, to all ten valid for twelve months and multiple return visits, costs £22.50 per adult, £18.25 for the 60 plus, £14.75 for students and children and £61.50 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free.

Individual museum entry tickets are also available; activities and workshops vary and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee.

Habib Malik-Mansell, Marketing Assistant at the Hive said “Organised by local musicians and artists in association with the Hive, the day aims to celebrate the creative talents of women who are living and working in Shropshire, whilst offering a fun filled afternoon of activities for the community. The workshops are open to everyone and we encourage families to come along and discover new artforms.”

The event on Friday March 9 is free to attend and people are invited to drop by the Hive on 5 Belmont between 12pm and 4pm.

For more information visit http://www.hiveonline.org.uk.

Designer Mike Russell has been creating inspirational gardens for over 24 years and his recent accolades include winning Gold at the Shrewsbury Flower Show in 2011 for his stunning seaside garden. Rachel Phillips recently won Silver Gilt for her Budding Scientist Garden at the RHS Malvern Show.

Habib Malik-Mansell, Marketing Assistant at the Hive said “We’re pleased to be working with both Mike and Rachel on this exciting workshop which promises to provide an interesting and enjoyable day of activity. The Introduction to Garden Design workshop will give people the chance to learn the skilled art of garden design whilst gaining valuable advice to take away.”

Places for the workshop on Sunday April 1 are limited and cost £35 per person, ages 16+. Participants will need to bring a packed lunch and places can be booked by calling the Hive on 01743 234970 or visiting in person on 5 Belmont, SY1 1TE. http://hiveonline.org.uk/gardenworkshop/.

Cameron’s fund was set up to support Asthma UK four years ago in memory of Bridgnorth toddler Cameron Brown who lost his life to asthma. His parents have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of asthma and its effects on family life.

Through collections, car washes, race nights and a whole host of other fund raising events, the Brown family have raised a fantastic amount towards Cameron’s Fund and are thrilled that Bridgnorth Festival has chosen to support the fund.

Gemma Brown says “the money will be put towards research, education and support for children and adults with the condition, and their families”

Collection tins for Cameron’s fund will also be around the festival’s High Street events on Sunday 26th August.

The Mental Health Foundation is the national beneficiary from fundraising efforts at this years’ festival. Festival organiser Linda Tilly explains “I am very pleased to be able to collect on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation. This is an issue which I think probably touches most people’s lives in some way and has affected my own family and friends over the years. I look forward to ‘rattling the tin’ and collecting as much as we can on the day for this extremely worthy cause”

Bridgnorth Festival committee chair Linda Mason explains why the Mental Health Foundation was chosen “An old friend of mine and talented musician committed suicide having suffered from bouts of severe depression throughout most of his adult life. I wanted to do something more than just the donation in lieu of flowers, this is the an opportunity to raise money to be put towards mental health research to save the lives of future sufferers”

For more about the festival and to get involved, visit our website www.bridgnorthmusicfest.com, Facebook www.facebook.com/bridgnorthmusicandartsfestival or phone 07401 348797.

Followed by free refreshments – tea, coffee, squash, biscuits and Welsh cakes for everyone. Plus at 11.30am till 12.30pm celebrate St David’s Day with activities such as a treasure trail and quiz.

Discover new authors and share your favourites on World Book Day 2012, plus, don’t forget, pick up your own free book if you are called David! The David theme will continue with books by or about famous Davids!

Cllr Arnold England, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Well-being, said: “World Book Day can be celebrated easily here in Telford and Wrekin with a great line up of activities, story telling and give-aways. Join in the fun at Telford Library on Thursday 1 March.”