JOBS are under threat at two Allied Carpet stores in the borough after the company went into administration today.

The stores are in Friern Barnet retail park and the Silk Bridge Retail Park off the Edgware Road in West Hendon.

Accountancy firm BDO Stoy Hayward was appointed administrator of the troubled firm today.

BDO immediately sold 51 of the 217 stores nationwide, protecting around 400 jobs, but the two Barnet stores are not among them.

Dermot Power, BDO Stoy Hayward business restructuring partner, said: “Allied Carpets is a well established brand in the marketplace but like many companies, has suffered because of the economic climate and difficult trading conditions.

“The stagnation of the housing market has meant that fewer people are buying carpets and flooring."

Customer deposits have been safeguarded and outstanding orders will be met.

BDO also said staff wages will be paid as usual.