COUNCIL leaders in South Gloucestershire are to meet with bosses at Orange to discuss the closure of the company’s Almondsbury call centre.

The mobile phone giant announced last week that it plans to close the technical support call centre at Aztec West with the loss of 300 jobs.

Members of South Gloucestershire Council, along with representatives from Bristol City Council and GWE Business West, are planning to meet with the firm to discuss the move.

Orange has 2,165 staff in Bristol. The Greater Bristol area has always been its headquarters and the company will still have six sites in the area.

Cllr John Godwin, executive member for external affairs and partnerships at South Gloucestershire Council, said: "We were very sorry to hear of the announcement. Orange has been a long-standing employer in the West of England and the news comes as a blow for the area, especially in the current economic climate.

"We will be looking to arrange a meeting with Orange to discuss this announcement, but our immediate thoughts are with those who will potentially be affected and representatives from South Gloucestershire, Bristol City Council and GWE Business West and other partner organisations are presently working to put together a package of support to help them."

People whose jobs are at risk can also get support and advice from South Gloucestershire Council by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/recession or by calling 01454 864950.