Popular High Street brand Wilko has announced that it has collapsed into administration.

The retailer has confirmed it has appointed administrators after failing to secure a rescue deal for the ailing firm.

Wilko has not yet confirmed if stores will close but more than 100 jobs could now be under threat at the five Wilko shops in Wiltshire.

Shops in Swindon, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Devizes could be at risk of closing with the homeware and household goods chain unable to pay its debts.

In Trowbridge, Wilko trades from the flagship store at the Castle Place shopping centre which has already seen shop closures.

The store is currently offering a sale with up to 70 per cent off some items, and there are empty shelves evident throughout.

At the store in The Parade, Swindon, a member of staff said they could not comment.

Swindon’s other store is at Greenbridge Retail Park, while Wilko trades in the High Street in both Chippenham and Devizes.

In total Wilko employes 12,000 people across its 400 stores.

Previously, Wilko filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court.

In an open letter, Wilko Chief Executive Officer Mark Jackson said: “Over the past six months Wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business.

“We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

“We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators.”

Earlier this year Wilko had agreed on a deal to borrow £40 million from restructuring specialist Hilco after posting significant losses.

And the store chain also hired advisers from PwC in a bid to find a buyer and secure fresh funding.

However, a few weeks ago Mr Jackson shared that the company had “no choice” but to file for potential insolvency.

The £1.2 billion turnover company has been in trouble for several months following a downturn in sales due to the current economic conditions.

It has been exploring company voluntary arrangement options and potential funding from investors.