More than 160 Oak Furnitureland staff are at risk of redundancy in draft plans to close almost a third of its stores.

The Swindon-based furniture giant said it was expected that 27 of its 105 stores will close, putting at risk 163 jobs. A consultation on the plans has been launched.

The company’s shop at Mannington retail park is not on the list of almost 30 shops in the firing line - although the Chippenham outlet could close.

Oak Furnitureland blamed the decision to close shops on “adverse trading conditions”.

Chief executive Alex Fisher said: “The current proposal to close some showrooms forms part of a company-wide review that we are undertaking as a business.

“We are committed to driving forward a plan for our future growth, and although this has been a difficult decision, it is the right one for the business in these uniquely challenging times.”

In June, the company was bought by investment firm Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP for an undisclosed fee – saving the ailing furniture giant, which employs around 1,500 people nationwide, from collapse.

The stores at risk of closure are: Basingstoke, Brent Cross, Burnley, Derry, Durham, Enfield, Guildford, Huddersfield, Leeds Crown Point, Macclesfield, Merry Hill, New Malden, Portsmouth, Romford, Rotherham, Rugby, Slough, Southend on Sea, Stafford, Sutton in Ashfield, Wallasey, Weston Super Mare, Wrexham, Chippenham (clearance) , Cardiff (clearance) , Cumbernauld (clearance) , Bath (clearance). The Newport store is expected to become a clearance outlet.