THE Wellington branch of builders merchant Travis Perkins is not affected by the firm’s announcement that it plans to close 30 branches with the loss of 600 jobs.

Anthony Hamblett, local manager of the branch in Scott’s Lane, said: “No, we’re not affected; we’re fine.”

The firm says the branch closures are due to an ‘uncertain UK outlook’ for next year.

Chief executive John Carter said it was ‘still too early to predict customer demand in 2017 with certainty’. He added: “Given this uncertainty we will be closing over 30 branches and making further efficiency driven changes in the supply chain.”

The company is also closing ten smaller distribution centres and writing off IT equipment.