"It is a blow... it’s a damn shame": Devastation in Heywood after 350 jobs at the Argos depot at risk

Shoppers in Heywood have spoken of their devastation after it was announced on Tuesday (February 28) that the Argos depot that employs more than 300 people in their town is due to close.

Sainsbury’s, who own the high street retailer, have announced that around 350 jobs are at risk at the site in the Rochdale borough, which serves Argos stores across the north of England.

Bosses said the move is part of an overhaul intended to create a ‘simpler’ and ‘more modern’ logistics network, however Unite bosses have said there is ‘no economic justification’ for the closures. The union added that as well as direct job losses, HGV drivers employed by Wincanton, who are contracted by Argos, are also at risk.

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The loss of such a large employer has shaken people across the town.

Karen Lee, who was out shopping with a friend, said the closure was a “damn shame” and that the building of new houses in Heywood had offered locals some hope, but the closure of the distribution site was “a blow”. On the potential loss of over 300 jobs at the centre, Karen added: “People need their jobs, especially now.”

Local resident Elizabeth Burgess, who lives close to the Pilsworth Road site, also worried about the future of the town following the announcement. She added: “You don’t want to lose anywhere do you? A lot of places are closing down. You want it to be busy, you don’t want these places closing down.”

Many also voiced their concerns about Heywood town centre and how those businesses could also suffer as a result of the job losses.

Gail Pooley, who lives in Heywood, added: “I think it is going to affect the town centre too.