THE EDINBURGH Woollen Mill Group has bought clothing chain Peacocks – but the future of Boston’s branch of the troubled retailer remains uncertain.

The deal will save 6,000 of the 9,100 Peacocks jobs but it is unclear which of the 611 stores, including the one in Pescod Square, will stay open.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group chairman and chief executive Philip Day said: “I am pleased to announce that with immediate effect 338 stores, 57 concessions, three distribution centres and the head office operations belonging to the Peacocks group will come into the EWM Group of companies, saving some 6,000 jobs, including 250 at the Cardiff headquarters.

“We look forward to working with our new colleagues to rebuild the business in what is a very tough economic environment for High Street retailers in the UK.”

Edinburgh Woollen Mill has a store in Market Place, Boston.

Mr Day added: “We do hope that there will be scope to save more jobs and stores from those being forced to close now due to performance issues and overhead pressures.

“As you can imagine, there will be a considerable amount of work to undertake over the next few months to stabilise the situation, turn this business around, get the supply chain moving again and excite the customers with great products.”

The cost of the purchase is undisclosed.

HIGHWAYS bosses have announced plans to repair a ‘winter damaged’ road next week.

The B1192 Langrick Road will be fully closed between Ash Tree Farm near Coningsby and New York Crossroads from Monday (February 27) to Tuesday, March 6.

Lincolnshire County Council says traffic will officially be diverted via B1192, B1184, B1183, A155, A153 to B1192 and vice versa.

The work is part of a series of repairs, including others to be carried out in Skegness and Horncastle.

Tim Mawson, project manager, said: “It is important that we repair these roads – no road can last forever. Keeping the county’s roads in good condition and safe for motorists to use is of paramount importance.”

Mr Mawson said businesses and residents have been informed of the plans by letter.

BOSTON’S Market Place taxi rank has been moved to a new position.

On Monday, taxi drivers began operating at the new rank, which is opposite the old one, near Serenity hair salon.

Lincolnshire County Council highways said the new rank will be a permanent position, but its new markings will not be in place until the Market Place refurbishment is nearly finished.

The new rank will operate by taxis forming two lines with a single space at the front.

Taxis will enter the front space from alternate lines.

The council seeks co-operation from taxi drivers to ensure this new rank operates efficiently.

l For more information about the new taxi rank contact taxi licensing on 01205 314214.

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