THE Range in Mitcheldean will officially close at the end of September leaving hundreds of workers in a 'desperate situation'.

Following a strategic review, The Range is transferring its warehousing operations from Mitcheldean to a site at Thorne near Doncaster, operated by DHL.

After a 90 day consultation period, workers at the warehouse in Mitcheldean have been notified about their redundancies.

They will begin leaving periodically, depending on their contracts.

Mike Grindle, warehouse operator, said: "Some people have been here for 10 years.

"Workers have been given the chance to move to the new site in Doncaster on minimum wage and at their own expense.

"We've not received any recognition for all the hard work we've done.

"Seventy shops have opened up countrywide thanks to our work here, we've been the driving force behind the company's expansion.

"For the CEO Chris Dawson not to thank us is very hurtful."

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