Hamilton Homebase at risk of closure as DIY giant falls into administration

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Homebase in Hamilton is under threat of closure after the DIY retailer plunged into administration.

Dozens of jobs are at risk at the Lanarkshire branch on Palace Grounds Road, which is among seven Scottish stores facing the axe.

The home improvement retailer and garden centre firm operates 119 stores across the UK, including seven in Scotland.

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But 49 stores and 2,000 jobs are now in jeopardy after the DIY retailer began preparing for insolvency with the help of practitioners from Teneo consultancy, which has now placed the company into administration.

It has emerged The Range boss Chris Dawson has rescued 70 stores across the UK through a pre-pack administration deal.

But Homebase stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dumfries, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Hamilton and Inverurie could still be closed down.

Damian McGloughlin, chief executive of Homebase, said today: "It has been an incredibly challenging three years for the home and garden improvement market.

"My priority is and continues to be our team members, and I recognise that this news will be unsettling for them.

"I want to thank our team members and supplier partners from the bottom of my heart for their hard work and commitment over many years."

Administrators will now look for buyers for the dozens of remaining Homebase stores, which will continue to operate as usual.

Commenting today, Central Scotland Monica Lennon MSP said: “The potential collapse of Homebase is deeply worrying.

“The closure of the Hamilton store would be a hammer blow to the loyal workforce and the local community.

“Every effort must be made to prevent closures and job losses.

“With Christmas fast approaching, it’s crucial that workers have certainty and security.”

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