Homebase has confirmed that it will be closing one of its three stores in Worcester next month - while the groundswell of opinion against the closure of the Holyhead outlet is growing.
The shut-down in Worcester, which will coincide with the expiry of the lease on the Bath Road store, puts some 30 jobs at risk, but Homebase says it is exploring the possibility of other roles for employees.

In a statement released to DIY Week, Homebase said: "Following a consultation with colleagues over the past few weeks, Homebase can confirm it is closing its store in Bath Road on April 19, 2014 when the store lease expires.

"We remain committed to serving the Worcester area. With our stores in Elgar Retail Park and Hylton Road, and three other stores in Worcester at our sister company Argos, discussions are taking place with affected colleagues to identify alternative working opportunities where possible."

Meanwhile, local opposition to the closure of Homebase's Holyhead, Anglesey store is growing. Diyweek.net reported on March 7 that 1,200 residents had signed a petition calling for the retailer to reverse its decision. Now, the number of signatures has grown to more than 3,000, and local MP Albert Owen has thrown his weight behind the campaign.

"News of a potential closure is counter to the progress we have made in attracting these major companies to Anglesey in recent years," he said. "I'm against closure and I call on the Homebase bosses to reconsider any decision of this nature."