Goodman Sparks commercial laundry systems, based at Cliffe Field Road, Meersbrook, has told workers it wants to dispose of branches at Meadowhead, Fulwood Road in Nether Green, and Wostenholme Road, Sharrow.

If a buyer cannot be found, they will close.

The news comes after 110 people working at the head office of car parts supplier LSUK were given redundancy notices after the Savile Street business was put into administration following a failed takeover.

Sheffield Council leader Coun Paul Scriven said: "Due to the current economic situation I have asked the chief executive to look at how we can enhance our rapid response team to help individuals and companies who find themselves in this situation."

He added: "The news that LSUK have announced 110 job losses in the city comes as a blow. My thoughts go out to the workers and families affected.

"The council is working in partnership with Jobcentreplus and others to provide support for LSUK and the staff affected."

One Goodman Sparks worker said: "Everyone is just confused about what is happening. We have been told the stores are going up for sale, then that we will be closed by December."

The move would leave the firm - which opened its first shop at Meadowhead in 1968 - with just one remaining branch, on Ecclesall Road, Banner Cross.

A customer of the Fulwood Road branch said: "I think it's very unfair. Three of the staff at the store have 29 years' service between them, and it's always very busy."

Managing director Jonathan Sparks, whose father set up the business, was unavailable for comment despite repeated calls from The Star.

Tom MacLellan of LSUK's administrators Tenon Recovery said he was speaking to "several" interested parties about buying all or part of the business, but in the meantime redundancy notices have been issued to all staff.

The company employs 600 staff at 53 branches nationwide, including 110 at Sheffield, although the administrators say 10 of the Sheffield headquarters staff have been retained.

As well as its branch network, which supplies car parts and motoring services, LSUK operates subsidiaries MI Diesel Products, Protech Automotive (UK) and Yeovil Rewind.

Mr MacLellan said it was too early to say what had led to the LSUK's predicament.

He added: "It's possible that if a buyer comes forward in the next few days, then a number of those 600 jobs may be saved."

London-based Euro Car Parts, which bought the firm, said it had been forced to place LSUK in administration after realising it needed more investment to continue.

The decision was made after paying salaries and rent due last week, it added.

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