BASINGSTOKE'S Body Shop has dodged a bullet, as it has been confirmed that the branch will stay open.

The Festival Place store is among 116 Body Shop stores which will remain open.

READ MORE: Replacement golf course site must be found if water park is built, councillor says

However, 75 branches of the cosmetic company across the UK will be closed over the next four to six weeks, with 489 staff to be made redundant.

Joint administrator Tony Wright said: “In taking swift action to right-size The Body Shop UK store portfolio, we have stabilised the business and are providing the best opportunity for this iconic brand to have a long-term, sustainable future.

“The UK business continues to trade in administration, and we remain fully focused on exploring all options to take the business forward.”