JOB losses caused by the closure of Home Timber and Hardware stores would have a significant impact on the small communities of Deloraine, George Town and Scottsdale, according to the mayors of those areas.
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Woolworths announced on Monday its intention to sell or close Home Timber and Hardware and Masters stores across Australia.
Dorset mayor Greg Howard said the closure of the Scottsdale store could see customers being forced to drive to Launceston for supplies and would result in job losses.
He said a commitment from Woolworths chief executive Grant O'Brien to seek to redistribute staff to other businesses was unlikely to provide much assurance for employees, as the only other Woolworths-owned store in Scottsdale was the supermarket.
"I don't reckon there would be many vacancies (at the Woolworths supermarket). There wouldn't be enough vacancies there to absorb the number of people that work in the hardware store," Cr Howard said.
"The loss of eight to 10 jobs - however many people work there - that would have a significant impact in a town like ours."
Meander Valley mayor Craig Perkins said he hoped small community stores such as the one in Deloraine would be protected.
"You would hope that whatever the outcome is it happens quickly, and any potential purchaser of the group recognises the value of small hardware stores in rural communities and continues to maintain and support them," he said.
"If, for example, five jobs disappeared out of a business in Deloraine, that would certainly have an impact."
George Town mayor Bridget Archer said the Home Timber and Hardware store in George Town had changed hands a number of times in the past.
"Hopefully there can be some solution that will retain the employment at the store," she said.
"Being a small community (job losses) are more felt. We've faced challenges in George Town in regards to employment, so you don't need to place any more pressure on that."
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the decision was a "disappointing outcome," but that it was pleasing the company had indicated the potential to transfer affected employees.