HMV in Taunton has survived the axe after administrators confirmed plans to close 66 loss-making stores around the country.

Nine hundred and thirty jobs will be lost when the stores close but administrators hope the decision will bolster the future of the restructured business.

A spokesperson from HMV said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and, though very sad and regrettable, it is necessary to give HMV the best possible chance of emerging from administration and having a future on the high street.”

It is expected that the stores, which make up over a quarter of the High Street chain’s 220 shops and are based mostly in the North, will close within the next two months.

Last October HMV’s debt stood at £176m and the music giant called in administrators after suffering dismal Christmas sales.

There have been hopes of a rescue deal after restructuring firm Hilco - the group behind HMV Canada - bought the company's debt in last month.