One of Highbridge’s largest employers is to move out of the town this year, it has been confirmed this week, with the loss of several jobs.
Brakes Group has acquired a new depot in Portbury, near Bristol, and is to close down its warehouse site in Highbridge on the Isleport Business Park.
Kevin Coles, a spokesperson for the firm, told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Wednesday evening: “Following a full and thorough consultation with colleagues, it has been agreed that the Highbridge site will be closing later this year.”
“All staff have been offered the opportunity to move to the Portbury site and we are delighted that a high proportion of colleagues – around three quarters – have decided to do so.”
“A final closing date is not yet confirmed, as there are other operational dependencies on the site.”
“This is obviously a difficult time for those staff members who have decided not to transfer to Portbury, and we will do our best to support them as they seek alternative employment.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported here last year on concerns that the Highbridge site may be forced to close due to the move.
Brakes will occupy a 250,763 sq ft former Asda cold store at Portbury. It has already agreed a deal for a 30-year lease of the site. It is located on a 17-acre site adjacent to junction 19 of the M5 motorway and was last occupied by Asda in September 2013.
