Jobs at risk as B&Q plans to close Southampton store

A B&Q store metres from the site of the DIY chain's founding shop is to be closed, putting dozens of jobs at risk. 

B&Q has confirmed the store in Mayfield Road, Southampton, is due to cease trading with effect from 28 February. 

The company said the shop was closing because the landlord would not renew the company's lease and wanted to redevelop the site for residential use.

Richard Block and David Quayle opened their first store in 1969, across the road from the Mayfield Road shop. The firm moved from its founding store to these larger premises in 1986. 

A letter sent to the B&Q employees at Mayfield Road, which has been seen by the BBC, said all staff at the store would be at risk of redundancy. 

The firm employs about 50 people at the store.

The letter said: "B&Q will ensure that regular communication and information is provided and we will endeavour to do whatever we can to support all employees through this difficult time."

The company said it had agreed with the landlord to defer the closure of the store until March after the lease expired in February this year.

It has more than 350 stores in the UK and more than 60 shops internationally.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk.

Read the full news article here.