Jobs fears as Stafford Homebase to shut

The store, at Greyfriars Business Park will shut its doors in February.

Bosses were unable to say if there would be any job losses but confirmed they were in talks with staff about possibly relocating as many employees as possible to nearby Homebase stores as well as Argos, which the firm also owns.

In a brief statement, the DIY chain confirmed that its Stafford store would be closing down on Saturday February 13 next month.

Emma Cooke, a spokeswoman for the company, said: "Following a consultation, Homebase can confirm that its store on Greyfriars Business Park, Stafford, will close on 13 February 2016.

"Discussions are being held with colleagues to find alternative employment in neighbouring Homebase and Argos stores."

Jeremy Lefory, the Conservative MP for Stafford, expressed his disappointment at the store leaving the town and prospect of job losses.

He said: "Obviously it's disappointing to hear this news. I would urge Homebase to look at relocating as many staff as possible.

"Stafford's unemployment rate is low and I wish all the staff well in finding new roles if it comes to that.

"With the low unemployment rate I am confident they will be able to find new employment. We have got Marks and Spencer opening and the opportunities coming in the town centre so there are opportunities for them.

"But I do express my disappointment at this news."

However the impending loss of Homebase does not mean it is all gloom and doom for the town, as Mr Lefory revealed to the Express & Star that a big positive economic announcement was due on Monday.

He said: "We are set to make a big announcement on Monday. I'm afraid I can't reveal what it is at this stage but it should be positive for the long term economic prosperity of the town."

The town is also set to be boosted by the huge Riverside development that's currently being built.

Work is progressing well on the new £70 million development which will see stores such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, River Island and H&M join the town.

A total of 18 shops will be built and developers have assured Stafford Borough Council that no units will be empty when the site opens.

The 19,000 sq ft leisure and shopping facility is expected to create 600 jobs for the area.

The £70m development of the town centre also includes the Kingsmead project, which will see a Morrisons store built on the Kingsmead car park in North Walls.

This is expected to bring an additional 300 jobs to the town.