AROUND 300 employees at The Range online home and leisure warehouse in Mitcheldean were shocked to learn on Monday that the site is closing and they are likely to lose their jobs.

The news that the site is to shut down in September is particularly bad news for the Mitcheldean, which still suffers from the demise of Rank Xerox. Business from the site will go to a depot run by logistics company DHL in Doncaster.

It is understood that meetings among staff are ongoing and on Tuesday management representatives were again addressing the workers involved in round-the-clock shifts.

One employee told the Review: "I was very disappointed and upset to be handed a letter regarding the closing of the Mitcheldean site to be relocated to Doncaster.

"I wasn't just upset for myself but for a lot of other people, young and old, from the Forest and surrounding areas who work at this place to know that they and myself will be made redundant.

"Chris Dawson, the owner of the range, is estimated to be worth £350millon-plus. His employees have endured over the years working at this place just to put food on the table for their families. To know that you will be out of a job within the next few months is awful.

"Regarding the economic climate there are going to be a lot of people out of work all at the same time, so as if it's not hard enough to find a job around these parts, already you will have another 100 looking for one all at the same time. I hope the Jobcentres are preparing for the influx of people who will be entering their doors in the near future.

"I was somewhat amused, albeit gritting my teeth, to read at the bottom of this letter 'I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyal support and time spent with our company'."

Another worker told us he was called to the canteen on Monday to be told the news. "It's not the sort of thing you want to hear on a Monday morning," he said.

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said in a statement: "Following a strategic review of its UK network to seek greater efficiencies, The Range is proposing to transfer its warehousing operations currently based at Mitcheldean, to a site at Thorne near Doncaster, operated by DHL.

"Potentially affected staff have been informed of the situation and will shortly enter into consultation with site representatives to discuss their options, including relocating to other DHL or The Range operations in the south west, subject to availability.

"Under the proposal the Mitcheldean site would close by the end of September 2013. Outplacement support will be provided for staff unable to relocate or seeking vacancies outside both organisations.

"Both The Range and DHL thank the team at Mitcheldean for their understanding at this difficult time and stress that this decision in no way reflects on the quality of work at the site."

The spokesman refused to comment further on the matter.