CIVIC leaders in Trowbridge have voiced their disappointment over plans to completely close The Consortium distribution centre in Canal Road.

On Wednesday RM Resources announced that the 70 of the 156 staff at the firm were facing redundancy, with their jobs due to go by May next year as part of a proposal to merge its five UK distribution centres.

RM Resources, part of RM plc, is to centralise all of its operations to one new distribution centre near Kirkby in Ashfield in Nottinghamshire by mid-2021.

That means up to 70 roles at the Trowbridge offices being made redundant, most by the end of May 2019.

The departments affected in Trowbridge cover procurement, marketing and digital, IT and administration.

The company then intends to close the distribution department by 2021, with a further 86 jobs to go in Trowbridge and 34 in Shrewsbury.

Cllr Peter Fuller, the leader of Trowbridge Town Council, said: “It’s almost unbelievable. I was worried two or three years ago when I heard they had been taken over.

“It is extremely disappointing for the people who are affected. I feel very sorry for them. It is very difficult to find jobs to go to.”

Trowbridge mayor, Cllr Dennis Drewett, was also disappointed, saying: “Any job losses are regrettable.

“My sympathies go out to those people affected by this decision and the job losses at the Consortium.”

Abingdon-based RM Resources has three divisions, the Consortium Education, TTS and West Mercia Supplies.

Its proposal will include the closure of the Trowbridge distribution centre and offices in Hammond Way, as well as a distribution centre in Shrewsbury.

The distribution centres supply education and care equipment to schools and nurseries across the UK and overseas.

Andy Wilson, RM Resources’ managing director, said: “We are now working to ensure that all employees are fully supported throughout the consultation process.”

Up to 60 new jobs are to be created at Kirkby in Ashfield and staff will have the chance to apply for thosewith relocation packages available to those successful.