BUILDER merchant Travis Perkins has confirmed that its Basingstoke branch will not be affected by its plans to close 30 stores.

The company, which owns DIY and hardware brands including Wickes, Benchmarx, PTS and BSS, announced yesterday that it is set to close 30 stores, putting 600 jobs at risk because of an “uncertain UK outlook” for next year.

But the company told The Gazette that the Basingstoke branch, in Stroudley Road, Lychpit, will not be closing.