03/08/09 - Borders HQ Responds

Last week I wrote to the new owners of Borders, following the management buy out.

The original letter can be seen on: http://www.abbeymeadsintouch.com/news/657/

The response I have had is:

Dear Cllr Tomlinson

Thank for your letter of 23 July 2009, expressing your concern regarding the closure of our Swindon branch.

The decision to sell the leasehold interest on the Swindon store was not one we took lightly. I am very appreciative of the hard work and commitment of Borders staff during the years we have traded, and the extent to which they have created an attractive and appreciated store. However, we are legally committed to this course of action, and I regret that it will not be reversed.

Borders employees affected by these changes are in consultation with our operations and HR departments. Where practical, we are making every effort to offer alternative positions to displaced staff, and we are also working with the new tenants to identify employment opportunities on the current site.

Yours sincerely

Phillip Downer

CEO Borders (UK) Ltd

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "This is further disappointing news.  As a local resident (and customer) myself, I have been fully supporting the campaign to keep Borders - it is an excellent facility for the Northern Orbital.''

Starbucks

I have now also written to Starbucks HQ to seek clarification as to whether they will remain once New Look opens.  I have also written to Next HQ to see whether they would consider providing space for Starbucks should they not be able to remain in its current location.

I will update the site when the responses come through.