Closure of Travis Perkins will have 'significant ramifications' for local building trade
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THE closure of Travis Perkins in Thurso will have "significant ramifications" for the building trade in the far north, according to a local Highland councillor.
Councillor Struan Mackie said the staff and the level of service had been "highly regarded" and the loss of the business would leave "a substantial gap" in an industry that was re-emerging as the coronavirus restrictions ease.
He wants public agencies to step in to support the workforce and look at options for the site, including trying to get another supplier to set up in the town.
Councillor Mackie, who represents Thurso and Northwest Caithness, said: "The closure of Travis Perkins' Thurso branch is extremely disappointing and will have significant ramifications for trades professionals in the far north.
"It leaves a substantial gap in supply for an industry beginning to find its feet as we enter phase two of the lockdown plan. I have been informed by existing customers that they have been asked to submit future orders to the Tain branch but, as of yet, delivery to Caithness is not possible.
"The staff and service was highly regarded locally and the company's contributions to community projects will be sorely missed in the area. It is very clear that Covid-19 is already having a significant impact on business, but supporting building work will be absolutely vital in kick-starting the economy."
He added: "The Travis Perkins site is a prominent one and locals will recall the years of struggle to find a business willing to use the former auction mart, sited adjacent to the railway station. I sincerely hope that local and national agencies are looking closely at the loss of Travis Perkins to the area and putting in place steps to support the workforce, seeking options for the site to ensure that a prolonged state of dereliction can be avoided and if possible support another supplier to set up or expand in the area."
Councillor Mackie was speaking after the builders' merchants in the town's Station Square closed last week with the loss of five jobs.
The company is set to shut 165 of its branches in the UK with the loss of 2500 staff – nine per cent of its workforce.
Travis Perkins, which has had a presence in Caithness for about 15 years, says its plans are a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the poor economic outlook. It also stressed the closures will affect branches where it is difficult to implement safe working practices or where reduced volumes are impacting on profitability.
The company is the UK’s largest distributor of building materials and owns a number of chains including Wickes and Toolstation. It has 2154 branches throughout the country.
