AN end of an era has been confirmed with the closure date being revealed for the Altrincham department store Rackhams.

Staff have been told the final day of trading for outfit, part of the House of Fraser group, will be August 31.

Up to 50 jobs are thought to be affected, with redevelopment plans for the George Street site in the pipeline.

The announcement sees a second high street name disappear from Altrincham after Debenhams shut up shop last January.

In a joint statement, Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works, joint owners of Stamford Quarter, said: "We're sad to hear about the departure of our Rackhams House of Fraser store - they have served the community in Altrincham for over 40 years and have been a central part of the town during that time."

The partners say new uses are being explored for the wider building, which should be unveiled in the "not-too-distant future".

A Trafford Council spokesman added: "We completely understand the challenges faced by the House of Fraser, which pre-date Covid-19 and resulted in the store almost closing last year.

"Altrincham is and continues to be a superb, award-winning town centre and acts as a success story for the rest of the country.

"The council is working with partners on a number of exciting developments which will help secure Altrincham’s continued success."

These are said to include the Town Centres Business Growth Programme and Trafford Small Business Loan Fund.