23/07/09 - Cllr Justin Tomlinson Writes to Borders Protesting Closure

I havewritten to the newowners of Borders UK askingthem to reconsider the decision to close the store at the Orbital Retail Park.

The company has been the subject of a management buy-out since the decision was made, and it's hoped the new owners will stop the closure going ahead.

The text of the letter to Philip Downer, Chief Executive of Borders UK,is as follows:

Dear Mr Downer

I am writing, in my capacity as the local ward councillor and parliamentary candidate, to express my deep concern at the imminent closure of the Borders store at the Orbital Retail Park in Swindon.

Since the announcement was made, it has been reported that you have led a management buy-out of Borders UK. In your new position, I appeal to you to reconsider the closure decision.

This is a popular and, I understand, profitable store. It is very well supported by local residents and is the only facility of its kind in the vicinity. The Orbital Retail Park is at the centre of a rapidly-expanding residential area and has successfully beaten the recession, recently seeing the opening of a flagship Marks& Spencer store which I helped to secure. For Borders to be pulling out of this location at this time seems to make little economic sense.

I appeal to you to reconsider the decision before the community I represent suffers the loss of what has been a popular and successful store, and one which employs many local people.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Justin Tomlinson