ROBERT Halfon, MP for Harlow, has called for answers from national sports retailer, Decathlon, following news of their decision to close the Harlow branch, located on Edinburgh Way.

After hearing from Harlow residents, Robert Halfon immediately demanded answers from the CEO of Decathlon, Michel Aballea. In a strongly worded letter, he highlighted the devastating impact that the closure of Decathlon will have on employees in Harlow. Mr Halfon also pointed out that this decision is contrary to Decathlon’s mission statement on their website which “sets out that [the] company is committed to opening more stores and to expand at a good pace in the UK.”

Taking the matter further, Mr Halfon has also written a letter to the Business Secretary, Andrea Leadsom, describing these jobs at risk in Harlow as a “lifeline” for many households. He has called on the Government to support those potentially left without a job, to cope “with the financial and emotional strain” that they have been placed in through no fault of their own.

Robert is set to visit the store to meet with employees in the coming days.

Commenting, Mr Halfon said: “I am shocked by Decathlon’s decision to close its store in Harlow, whilst they have plans to open new ones in other parts of the country.

“Understandably, this is an unnerving time for Harlow employees and I stand with them to demand the answers and support that they need during this uncertainty.

“If any Decathlon employee in the Harlow branch would like me to help in any way I can, please do reach out to me via email at [email protected].”

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