HUNDREDS of New Look workers have been made redundant over the past year in a move which sees 'the end of an era' for Weymouth.

New Look is one of the countries leading high street fashion retailers with over 550 stores nationwide.

It all started in 1969 when Tom Singh, from Upwey, opened his first shop in Taunton.

The retail chain began to grow, particularly during the 1990s, and in 1994 the distribution centre and head office opened in Mercery Road.

Senior human resources manager Sue Lloyd said: "Weymouth's where it all started.

"The problem is you can't go south from here.

"New Look is growing so fast there's just not the facilities or infrastructure with the roads here."

The new Lymeside site, Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been open since September.

Before the new centre was opened over 500 HGV and forklift drivers, managers and administration staff and associates and packers were employed in Weymouth.

Senior logistics manager Paul Bennett said: "It's very sad.

"I started off doing one night shift and 10 years on I'm still here."

Almost 80 people have left their jobs at the distribution centre already as they have found new employment elsewhere.

Mr Bennett said: "We didn't stop anyone who wanted to leave before the centre closed.

"We always said we would help support staff who left early and they still got full redundancy packages."

Mr Bennett added: "Some people have taken a complete career change.

"We have done a huge amount of training to increase their chances of getting a job."

A job fair was held last October to help distribution centre staff find employment after the closure of the Weymouth site.

Mrs Lloyd said that since the closure announcement 326 staff members had achieved extra qualifications through Weymouth College.

She added: "We have had a great programme of retraining and relocation but you can't take away from the fact that hundreds of people have lost their jobs, and it's like a small community in there, a family, and that's what the staff will miss."

There will be a leaving party at Weymouth Pavilion on Friday evening where staff will be able to say their final goodbyes to each other.

Distribution centre associate Dave Sturgess, 55, has worked at the Weymouth site for eight years and plans to concentrate on running Olivers Guesthouse, Waterloo Place, Weymouth.

He said: "You've got to make the most of a bad thing, move on and try and find something else."

However, slot controller Roy Brown, 59, from Portland, completes his final shift today and is unsure about the future.

He said: "I've worked here for seven years and two weeks.

"I'm 59, I'll have to look for another job but what chance have I got?"