MOVIE and video game rental giant Blockbuster became the latest high street casualty as it went into administration yesterday.

Jobs are now at risk at the chain’s stores across Oxfordshire – London Road in Oxford; Peachcroft Road in Abingdon; the Causeway in Bicester; Market Place, Faringdon; Upper High Street, Thame; Market Place in Wantage; High Street in Kidlington, and Langdale Gate, Witney.

Across the country, Blockbuster employs about 4,000 staff, but local staffing figures for Oxfordshire were unavailable last night. Adminstrators Deloitte were appointed as increased competition from the Internet and a shift to digital streaming of movies and games were blamed.

The chain’s demise came hot on the heels of collapsed entertainment retailer HMV, which also went into administration this week.

Lee Manning, spokesman for Deloitte, said: “We are working closely with suppliers and employees to ensure the business has the best possible platform to secure a sale, preserve jobs and generate as much value as possible for all creditors. During this time gift cards and credit acquired through Blockbuster’s trade-in scheme will be honoured towards the purchase of goods.”