BRIDGWATER’S Argos store could be set to close by February 2018 according to the town’s trade union council.

Around 280 workers from Argos’ Huntworth Distribution Warehouse are currently in day 11 of strikes, which are set to last three weeks after negotiations ended without an agreement yesterday.

Dave Chapple, the secretary of Bridgwater Trade Union Council, said: “We believe that Sainsbury have taken a decision to close the Bridgwater Argos Store at the Clink and move the whole operation over the road to an expanded Sainsbury store, probably by February 2018.

“What Bridgwater shoppers may face is the loss of the ARGOS Brand altogether in the next few years, and, with that, the disappearance of a unique way of shopping."

An Argos spokesman has denied that there are any plans to close Bridgwater's Argos store, and responded to Mr Chapple's comments.

The spokesperson said, “We’re disappointed with the union’s actions, which are based on unreasonable demands and are wholly unnecessary.

"Customers will not be impacted and should be reassured that full contingency plans are in place.”

Mr Chapple added: "Bridgwater trades unionists are fully supporting the 3-week strike of 280 Unite members at the ARGOS Huntworth Distribution Warehouse.

“This is the longest official strike in Bridgwater for decades. Talks at ACAS in London on Thursday August 24 ended without agreement.

“During our solidarity efforts, we have realised that Sainsbury PLC now own Argos, so we feel that pressure should be put on this company to settle the dispute and give the necessary guarantees to the distribution workforce nationally that wages and conditions should be maintained after any site closures or outsourcing, and that all Unite-recognised sites be included in future national collective bargaining.

“Bridgwater Trades Union Council activists, in solidarity with the Unite strikers and to inform Bridgwater shoppers, will be leafleting both stores at the Clink over the Bank Holiday weekend.

“Bridgwater Trades Union Council calls upon Sainsbury PLC to come clean with its future plans for the Argos store and brand, and settle the national industrial dispute by giving Unite the Union the reasonable guarantees it seeks.”

Bridgwater TUC is also calling for a ‘solidarity hour’ on Tuesday, August 29, from 1.30pm until 2.30pm, in which residents are invited to attend the Unite picket line at Huntworth.