Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has responded to the news that Amazon intends to close its Gourock distribution centre, with the loss of approximately 300 jobs in a bitter blow for the Inverclyde economy.

The online retail giant has launched a consultation with staff but has yet to provide details of when the base will close.

ICC President, Mark Spragg said: “This has come as a real shock to the local community, and not least the employees, their families and those directly affected by the decision at a very difficult time of the year.

“Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Gourock has been a long-standing and successful employer for nearly two decades at Faulds Park, making this news all the more disappointing.

“The impact of this decision to the local economy, Inverclyde’s supply chain and its influence and strategic importance to Gourock should not be understated.”

Amazon’s Inverclyde site is one of three fulfilment centres earmarked for closure in the UK, and it is understood that all workers at the sites will be offered roles at other locations in the UK.

However, given the distances involved between the sites, it is unlikely to be a viable option for many of the Amazon staff.

Mr Spragg added: “Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce calls upon both the Scottish and UK Governments, Inverclyde Council and the several other agencies likely to be engaged to come together to fully support the affected Amazon employees to find new employment opportunities.

“The potential loss of 300 jobs will have a considerable effect locally, leaving Inverclyde in an all too familiar position when it comes to its recent employment challenges and attracting new inwards investment.

“With several other well-documented challenges including de-population, cuts to services, lack of inwards investment and deprivation, the need to create and sustain much-needed new jobs and skills for the citizens of Inverclyde is critical.”

Inverclyde is currently awaiting the outcome of a Levelling Up bid by Inverclyde Council and partners to the UK Government, which is seeking £19.5m to support infrastructure improvements in Greenock.

Mr Spragg continued: “As the representative voice of Inverclyde’s business community, we will continue to contribute positively with our private and public sector partners to secure fresh investment into Inverclyde.

“The area was in desperate need of support prior to this announcement, making this latest setback an even more critical time for Inverclyde and its future economic prosperity.

“It is vital that Inverclyde is successful with its Levelling Up bid, and Inverclyde Chamber will continue to support further opportunities to attract new businesses, investment and job opportunities for our residents and communities.”

A further blow to the area will be the loss of funding to local organisations, with Amazon’s philanthropic activities well documented locally.

Mr Spragg concluded: “As well as being an active and engaged ICC Member, Amazon has played an important role in supporting many local initiatives and third-sector organisations, especially during Covid-19, donating thousands of pounds and items to support local causes.

“The loss of this funding alongside the job roles is a huge blow to the area that will leave a further gap in the community.”