THERE are fears for scores of jobs in Somerset as uncertainty surrounds the future of several convenience stores across the county.

Convenience store chain McColl's is reported to be on the brink of collapse, putting the jobs of its staff at risk.

The retailer said yesterday (Thursday, May 5) it is "increasingly likely" it would fall into administration unless talks a rescue deal can be sorted out.

Sky News said McColl's could call administrators as early as today.

McColl's has stores in:

Street - West End, Ivythorn Road, High Street;

Bridgwater - Rhode Lane, Kendale Road;

Brean - South Road;

Yeovil - Glenthorne Road;

Shepton Mallet - High Street;

Glastonbury - Chinnock Road;

Castle Cary - Fore Street;

Shepton Mallet - High Street.

A spokesperson for McColl's, which has a partnership with supermarket Morrisons, said the company would likely "be placed into administration with the objective of achieving a sale of the group to a third-party purchaser and securing the interests of creditors and employees".

But it added that ongoing discussions are taking place.

Sky News reported that Morrisons had proposed a deal to McColl's lenders, which involved the supermarket injecting funding.

Morrisons has declined to comment.