Mayor calls for action to save Countrywide

MAYOR of Melksham, cllr Adrienne Westbrook, is calling for action to help save over 20 jobs at the Countrywide store, after it was announced that the company has gone into administration.

All Countrywide stores across the UK were due to be sold to Mole Valley Farmers. However, the sale has been delayed by the Government’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), who revealed that the deal would need thorough investigation, lasting up to six months.

The delay has caused Countrywide Farmers plc to go into administration, as they ‘will be unable to meet its financial obligations for this extended period of time’. Earlier this week, ‘closing down’ signs were put up at the Melksham store, leaving no doubt what the future holds for the store and its employees.

Cllr Westbrook has written to Michelle Donelan MP urging her to intervene with the decision made by the CMA, to help protect local jobs and save ‘a vital business and valuable resource for Melksham’.

“By the time the CMA have made their decision, Countrywide will no longer be there,” she explained to the Melksham News.

In her letter to Michelle Donelan MP, cllr Westbrook said, “This decision is putting 600 jobs in jeopardy in the Countrywide stores business, including 25 in Melksham. I would have thought in the current climate where retail companies such as Maplin, Toys R Us and Prezzo are closing stores and entering administration, government agencies shouldn’t be putting up barriers to takeovers that would protect jobs and workers’ rights.

“I appreciate that the CMA’s first priority is to protect competition, quality and service, however I fail to see how competition, and service will improve if 48 Countrywide stores are no longer there.  It is key now that a buyer is found for the business, or parts of the business, and therefore the CMA needs to be constructive.

“I hope you are able to help protect jobs in Melksham, a key town in your constituency,  and I urge you to take a keen role in promoting a plan  to solve this problem.”