Troubled bakery chain Firkins is closing three of its stores, just a few months after the chain was bought out of administration for the third time.

However the West Midlands company - now trading as Newbridge Bakery - is set to open six stores in the region and insists it is trading positively.

The 28-strong chain has closed shops in Kingstanding, Stourbridge and Harbourne in the last week because they are, “no longer appropriate for the needs of our growing business”.

A spokeswoman said: “In Stourbridge, we are currently looking for new premises; in Harbourne, the deal has already been done for a relocated store that will be opening soon.”

She added that the business was currently trading positively and that it was in advanced negotiations for a further five shops within the region. “We cannot reveal their location yet for commercial reasons.”

There are no plans for further closures.

The firm and 200 jobs were rescued by MD and sole director Ian Bolderston in December 2009, following his recovery of Firkins Bakery in 2006 and again in 2008.