UNCERTAINTY surrounds the future of a number of clothing outlets in Taunton following reports that Sir Philip Green's Arcadia retail empire is close to collapse.

Sir Philip's companies include Topshop, Evans, Wallis and Dorothy Perkins, who all have a presence in the county town centre..

He is said to have held talks with potential lenders in a bid to borrow £30million.

But following reports that the talks have fallen through, it is predicted that administrators could be appointed on Monday.

It would put 13,000 jobs at risk including dozens in Taunton.

An Arcadia has said the company is working on "contingency options" and the stores are continuing to trade and will open on Wednesday when the Covid-19 restrictions are eased.