Taunton Homebase to close and be replaced by The Range

DOZENS of workers face an uncertain future at a homes and garden store that is closing down.

A total of 35 jobs will go when Homebase closes its store at Hankridge Way, Taunton.

Bosses have told staff they will be offered interviews with the company taking over their premises.

They could also be offered jobs in alternative Homebase or Argos stores.

The company has not set a closure date, but it has confirmed that The Range, which also sells homes and gardens items, will take over the building.

A spokesman for the Home Retail Group, owners of Homebase, said: “We have announced the proposed closure of the Homebase store in Taunton.

“The lease is – subject to a number of conditions – set to transfer to retailer The Range.

“This proposed closure is part of the normal management of our store portfolio.

“This announcement means there is a period of consultation for colleagues affected by this proposal.

“As part of our agreement The Range will invite all colleagues affected by the process for an interview.

“Where possible we will also look to redeploy any affected colleagues at nearby Homebase and Argos stores.”

He added that the move was subject to successful consultation, planning consent and the landlord’s approval.

Home Retail Group, which owns around 300 Homebase stores, has already shut a number of outlets after announcing in 2012 that it would close 40 over five years when their leases ran out.

Plymouth-based The Range failed to respond to the County Gazette’s request for a statement.

Source : ThisIsTheWestCountry.co.uk
www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/somerset_news/11284935.Homebase_closing_Taunton_store___The_Range_to_move_in/