MORE than 1,500 jobs at fashion chain Bank, including in Bradford, have been put at risk after the loss-making business went into administration .

Bank, which operates 84 stores primarily in the Midlands, north of England and Scotland, was part of JD Sports Fashion until November.

Deloitte was appointed as administrator after a review of the business determined that a solvent turnaround would not be possible.

All stores, including one in Bradford's Kirkgate Centre, are open as normal and no redundancies have been made while Deloitte considers potential interest in the business from several parties.

Bill Dawson, a partner in Deloitte's restructuring services practice, said: "Bank has struggled in a highly competitive segment of the retail industry and has been loss-making for a number of years."

He added that additional sale discounts would be implemented later this week.

Mr Dawson said: "The company has already been approached by several parties who have expressed an interest in the business and the administrators are trading as a going concern with a view to progressing these options and seeking further interested parties for some or all of the business."

Bank was founded by Andy Scott - a former Macclesfield Town footballer - in 1994 and largely sells branded fashion items aimed at the youth market.

JD bought the chain from private equity owners Phoenix Equity Partners and management for £18.5 million in 2007. In November it disposed of the business to HMV owner Hilco, a retail turnaround business, under terms which were not disclosed.

Bank has been offering discounts of up to 70 per cent as it attempts to attract shoppers in the face of fierce competition.