A BUILDERS’ merchant will not be reopening after its owner confirmed it would be axing 165 branches across the UK.

Customers of Travis Perkins in Ross-on-Wye have been informed by email that the branch on the Ashburton Industrial Estate was on the national hit list and would be officially closing from last Friday, June 19.

An automatic email replay from the branch manager confirmed that: “The branch is closed as of March 23 and will not reopen.”

It is not know how many jobs are under threat at the local store, with more than 2,500 affected nationwide, but the firm says they will try to redeploy workers where possible.

The recession caused by the pandemic has been blamed for the decision to scale down the business.

Chief executive Nick Roberts said: “Whilst we have experienced improving trends more recently, we do not expect a return to pre-Covid trading conditions for some time and consequently we have had to take the very difficult decision to begin consultations on the closure of selected branches and to reduce our workforce to ensure we can protect the Group as a whole.

“This is in no way a reflection on those employees impacted and we will do everything we can to support them during this process.”

The firm has worked to reopen some of its branches since the March 23 shotdown, as they were on the list of essential services.

The email sent to customers said of the closure of the local branch: “This decision was not taken lightly and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“We will look to redeploy displaced colleagues as much as possible, and support those that are affected.”

Trade accounts can be used at other branches and all existing orders will be fulfilled, say the firm.

Residents took to Ross-on-Wye’s Facebook public noticeboard page to have their say, one posting: “I’m afraid this is the other side of the virus which will become all to present in months to come!”

Another added: “Sad news for the staff! A great builders merchants, be sorry to see it go!”