MP holds 'urgent meeting' with Argos bosses after they announced planned closure of Heywood depot

Heywood's MP says he has held 'urgent' talks with Argos bosses after they announced plans to close a huge depot in the town which would mean the loss of around 350 jobs.

Sainsbury's - which owns the high-street catalogue chain - yesterday unveiled plans to merge five existing depots across both brands into three over the next three years, with two being closed.

One of those earmarked for closure is the Argos depot on Heywood Distribution Park off Pilsworth Road. A site in Basildon, Essex also facing the axe.

READ MORE: Argos Heywood depot closure: Everything we know so far with 350 jobs in Greater Manchester under threat

It is part of a planned overhaul of Sainsbury's logistics networks which means 1,400 roles across the country are now at risk with a consultation period having begun.

The supermarket giant declined to specify exactly how many jobs are affected at the Heywood site. However, officials at the trade union Unite said around 750 jobs were under threat as a result of the two warehouse closures, approximately 350 of which are at Heywood.

The news has been met with shock and dismay by local leaders. Today (Wednesday) Tory MP for Heywood and Middleton Chris Clarkson said he sat down with Sainsbury's officials to quiz them on the rationale for the decision.

He said he had also contacted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ask for support for the hundreds of affected staff.

“I am disappointed and concerned by Sainsbury’s planned closure of the Heywood Argos depot" he said in a statement issued to the Manchester Evening News. "I had an urgent meeting today with Sainsbury’s to ask for an explanation of its decision and the business case for closing the site.

"Additionally, I have contacted the DWP asking