THE Homebase store at Clifton Moor, York, is set to close next month, leaving its employees facing an uncertain future.

According to the company, the closure of the store is due to a "limited demand."

Supermarket chain Sainsbury sold the Homebase DIY chain to venture capitalist Schroeder ventures last December in a deal worth £969 million which has resulted in a shake-up of Homebase's store portfolio and strategy regarding products and services.

A spokeswoman for Homebase said: "After careful consideration, regretfully we have to announce closure of the York, Clifton Moor store on September 15 because of limited demand.

"The store currently employs four management and 26 staff.

"We are redeploying as many people as possible within other Homebase stores in the area.

"We are already talking to staff about this and fully expect to find jobs for the majority of employees."

Updated: 13:57 Thursday, August 16, 2001