A TASK force has been set up to monitor the situation at the former Kays firm in Droitwich.

Wychavon District Council has announced it will be setting up a task force following the announcement Home Delivery Network Ltd (HDNL) - which is a part of what used to be called Reality, formerly Kays - is looking to move its sort centre from its current base at Berryhill Industrial Estate, Westbank, to the former Peugeot car plant site at Ryton-on-Dunsmore near Coventry. Last weekend, the Worcester News revealed that about 400 people might have to relocate or take redundancy from Droitwich - as well as about 70 from the Worcester site in Bransford Road - if the company is granted planning permission. HDNL said the site could be operational by the middle of 2009.

As a result, members of the council, Advantage West Midlands, JobCentre Plus and Worcestershire County Council will help employees find alternative employment, if necessary. Wychavon District Council's head of community services Phil Merrick said: "For some time, we have been in discussions with Home Delivery Network Ltd about the future of their operations in Droitwich. We are keeping a close eye on proceedings, and should the worst happen, we will be there to support any of our residents who might be affected. On a positive note, Droitwich has attracted many new businesses in recent years."