Dozens of jobs are at risk following the closure of a fashion depot.
TNT Express is merging two arms of its operation. It means 35 operational workers at the depot on Junction 7 Business Park, Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors will either be made redundant or redeployed to its Manchester depot.
Nationally, the firm is consulting on plans to make 130 workers redundant and is merging TNT Fashion and TNT Transport into one operation.
Alistair Cochrane, managing director of TNT Express UK and Ireland, said: “Combining the greater resources and more expansive infrastructure offered by TNT Express with the industry specific expertise and services of TNT Fashion Group UK will bring direct benefits to the speed and quality of service for our customers, and therefore long-term success of both their business and ours.”
Goldtique, which owns the whole site, has been granted outline planning permission to develop the Junction 7 Business Park for mixed commercial and residential use.
Mike Damms, of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce – also based off Junction 7 – admitted the announcement was a blow.
He said: “Of course it's disappointing any company moving out of the area. Hopefully many of the people working there will be able to find employment at the main TNT depot.
“In some ways it isn't surprising in the long run, as the plan is to redevelop that site and hopefully that will lead to more employment opportunities.”
Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson offered his sympathy to workers facing losing their jobs.
He said: “It is disappointing, of course, when companies move out of the borough and takes jobs and income with it and I feel very sorry for those people entering the desperate job market in the new year.
“I hope Goldtique which owns the site continues to move forward with its plans to renovate the premises to attract more skilled employers and hopefully jobs can be created on this key employment site.”
