Task force bid to support Wolverhampton Debenhams workers
A task force must be set up to help 150 workers at risk of losing their jobs when Wolverhampton’s flagship Debenhams store closes, it was demanded today.
The troubled department store last week announced plans to shut its Mander Centre branch just 18 months after it opened.
Today Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith revealed she will write to Debenhams bosses, urging them to “show more commitment” to the city.
The MP, whose constituency includes the Mander Centre, said: “The store opened with great fanfare less than two years ago – it deserves more of a chance to prove itself.
"It is not right for it to close what must be one of the most modern stores it has in its chain, designed to be successful in the changing world of city centre retail.
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“Any task force should not be a talking shop or hand-wringing exercise, and if one was put in place it would need to have the right people on board.
“City centres are evolving for the future. They need to mix work, living, socialising, shopping as well as activities and leisure.
"I think Wolverhampton recognises this but it needs to be careful with who it enters into partnership with – they need to be committed to Wolverhampton’s future.”
The store, which opened in October 2017, is set to close early next year as part of restructuring plans from new owners.
A task force of senior staff, business leaders and cross party politicians, could focus on ways forward and support for affected staff.
Calls for the task force were made by the city’s Liberal Democrats, who are also urging residents to save the store by backing an online petition calling on Debenhams to “rethink” its decision.
Tories in the city have also called for action to stop Wolverhampton from turning into a “ghost town” after it was announced Debenhams is to close.
Paul Appleby, the Conservative candidate for Bushbury North in this week’s local elections, said the news was “a hammer blow” for the city and could have a serious economic impact. He called for free parking in the city centre to help retailers.
Isobel Woods, Wolverhampton Council’s head of enterprise, said: “Senior council officials are speaking with the owners of the Mander Centre, Benson Elliot, to discuss alternative scenarios for the Debenhams store.
"We will work closely with them and city partners to put together a solid proposition for Debenhams to consider.
"In fact, a letter has already been sent to Terry Duddy, executive chairman at Debenhams, requesting an urgent meeting.”
