THE future of around 70 jobs hangs in the balance at Crown Paints’ Warrington distribution centre.

Work currently carried out by staff at the Gemini Retail Park base is to be transferred to the company’s site in Hull.

Crown explained how CEVA Logistics, transport provider for the business, proposed taking on the lease for the Westbrook depot.

It was also suggested that Crown’s staff would transfer to CEVA but job losses have not been ruled out.

A spokesman for Crown said: “Crown Paints has recently reviewed its logistics operations to ensure that it achieves optimum levels of efficiency.

“In order to align the operations and reduce over capacity, Crown Paints’ trade distribution operation in Warrington will be transferred to its site in Hull.

“CEVA Logistics, the manufacturer’s current transport provider, is proposing to take over the lease of the Warrington premises.

“As a result, Crown Paints is proposing to transfer all Warrington employees to CEVA with effect from November 1 with a view to preserving continuity of employment. At this stage it is not clear whether there will be any job losses.

“However, other jobs might be created at Crown Paints’ site in Darwen.”

Crown was bought in June by Denmark paint supplier Hempel Group for an undisclosed sum. The company employs more than 1,400 people.

CEVA Logistics had not returned to Warrington Midweek with a comment at the time of going to press.