SCORES of people in Ipswich may today be left with worthless vouchers after retail chain Zavvi confirmed people will not be able to use them in stores.

SCORES of people in Ipswich may today be left with worthless vouchers after retail chain Zavvi confirmed people will not be able to use them in stores.

The chain, which sells CDs, DVDs, video games and books went into administration last week.

A spokeswoman from Zavvi's administrators Ernst and Young confirmed: "It's not possible for vouchers to be spent in stores.'

A message on the Zavvi website urged holders of vouchers purchased after November 27 to write to the joint administrators and said it is "expected' they will receive a full refund.

However, those who bought vouchers before this date will have to register an unsecured claim, where there is a slimmer chance of a refund.

A statement issued by Zavvi said: "Due to the large volumes of gift card vouchers that are currently outstanding it is not possible to discuss individual customer queries in person at this stage.'

One Ipswich man, who did not wish to be named, said his 14-year-old granddaughter was left upset when told the £20 voucher she received as a gift could not be redeemed.

He said: “They are still taking people's money to buy goods in the store but will not accept vouchers that have already been paid for. It doesn't seem right.”

Zavvi's 125 stores opened as normal on Boxing Day for the post-Christmas sales. However, the jobs of more than 3,400 workers remain insecure.

Some of Zavvi's troubles began earlier this month with the collapse of Woolworths' Entertainment UK wholesaling division, EUK.

Other high-profile casualties of the high street economic gloom have included The Officer's Club, Whittard of Chelsea, MFI, Woolworths and children's clothes specialist Adams.