ONE of Britain’s largest electrical retailers will pull the plug on its huge distribution centre in Totton within six months.

Retail giant Dixons yesterday confirmed it will close its Currys depot in Testwood Park, Salisbury Road, this autumn.

The centre – which includes facilities for the company’s Knowhow service – only opened two years ago, but the firm has confirmed it will not be renewing its lease and will move its operations elsewhere.

Some of the 64 staff working there claim they will be relocated to a centre more than 30 miles away in Basingstoke, but the company denies any decision has been made and is negotiating its next move.

A Dixons’ spokeswoman said: “We continue to assess our distribution network as part of our ongoing portfolio review to improve our service for customers.

“The lease on our Totton distribution centre expires in the autumn, so we are currently looking to relocate this site.

“We have no plans for any forced redundancies and are working closely with colleagues to support them through this transition.”

Totton town councillor Arthur Davis, who represents Totton North, called said: “It’s a big concern as we don’t like the prospect of losing jobs or work in this area. It’s a big employer and in the area and if people need to travel further afield to get to work it is not ideal.”

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis said it was too early to assess the impact on the town but stressed he will be watching the situation closely.

He said: “While the firm are promising not to force redundancies on the workforce, the prospect of a long commute to another town may prove too difficult for some.

“I invite anyone with concerns about this to contact me so that I can make representations to the company, although I recognise the company will inevitably make business decisions according to the state of the industry they work in.”