More than 70 jobs to go at the Consortium

The company's parent group, RM Resources, part of RM plc, announced a proposal to merge five UK distribution centres.

It plans to move all operations to one new distribution centre near Kirkby in Ashfield in Nottinghamshire by mid-2021.

The proposal would include up to 70 roles at the Trowbridge offices being made redundant, most of which will implemented by the end of May 2019.

There will be up to a further 120 redundancies across the Trowbridge and Shrewsbury distribution centres by mid-2021.

Trowbridge mayor, Cllr Dennis Drewett was "disappointed" by the news saying "Any job losses are regrettable.

"My sympathies go out to those people affected by this decision and the job losses at the Consortium."

Abingdon-based RM Resources has three divisions, the Consortium Education, TTS and West Mercia Supplies.

Its proposal will include the closure of the Trowbridge distribution centre and offices in Hammond Way on the Canal Road Industrial Estate, as well as a distribution centre in Shrewsbury.

The distribution centres supply physical and curriculum education equipment to schools and nurseries across the UK and overseas.

Andy Wilson, RM Resources' managing director, said: "Regrettably, this will mean redundancies across the Trowbridge and Shrewsbury sites as operations are centralised. A formal consultation process has now begun."

He added: "Conditions in the UK education market have been challenging for some time and this move will ensure a sustainable future for RM Resources.

"We are now working to ensure that all employees are fully supported throughout the consultation process.

"Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, staff affected by the proposed changes will have the opportunity to consider taking up suitable alternative roles in Kirkby in Ashfield, where it is anticipated up to 60 new positions will be created.

"Relocation packages will be available to those successful in securing a role in the proposed new structure."