Woolworths is one of the best known names on the British High Street. It’s been in business nearly a century. （3）Many of its 800 stores are likely to close following the company’s decision to call in administrators after an attempt to （4）sell the business for a token ￡1 failed.

The company has huge debts. The immediate cause for the collapse has been Britain’s slide toward recession, which has cut into consumer spending. However, the business had been in trouble for years.

Known for low-priced general goods, Woolworths has struggled in the face of competition from supermarkets expanding beyond groceries and a new generation of internet retailers. 

Many of the store group’s 25,000 employees are likely to lose their jobs. Some profitable areas such as the DVD publishing business will survive.

Cairo is known for its overcrowded roads, irregular driving practices and shaky old vehicles, but also for its air pollution In recent months, though, environmental studies indicate there have been signs of improvement. That’s due in part to (5)the removal of many of the capital’s old-fashioned black and white taxis.

Most of these dated back to the 1960s and 70s and were in a poor state of repair.

After new legislation demanded their removal from the roads,(6) a low interest loan scheme was set up with three Egyptian banks so drivers could buy new cars. The government pays about $900 for old ones to be discarded and advertising on the new vehicles helps cover repayments.

The idea has proved popular with customers ― they can now travel in air-conditioned comfort and because (7)thenew cabs are metered, they don’t have to argue over fares. Banks and car manufacturers are glad for the extra business in tough economic times. As for the taxi drivers, most are delighted to be behind the wheel of new cars, although there have been a few complaints about switching from black and white to a plain white colour.