WORKERS at the York branch of DIY chain Wickes were reassured today that a proposed takeover by rival Focus Do It All will not affect their jobs.

Wickes' head office in London today agreed to be bought by Focus Do It All in a £289.3 million deal, only three months after fighting off a hostile takeover bid from the rival.

If agreed by shareholders in the next few weeks, 131 Wickes branches, including the store in Lysander Close, Clifton Moor, will be handed over to Focus Do It All.

The Do It All branch at Clifton Moor less than half a mile away, was one of the pioneer chain retailers on the retail/industrial estate 12 years ago and employs 25 people. Wickes is thought to employ a similar number.

The official line by both companies is not to comment on whether the deal would mean staff cuts among Wickes' 4,400 employees and Focus's 7,000 staff. But a spokesman for Focus Do It All, today gave an assurance that this bid was not hostile.

"It is basically an agreed friendly merger of the two companies and Do It All will be looking to create a stronger continued group. It has not made or even looked into the prospect of rationalisation."

Asked if jobs were safe, he refused to comment on specific branches but said: "The company is looking to expand, not contract."

A takeover would bring together Wickes stores, which sell "heavy" products such as kitchens, tools and lighting, and Focus's 200 stores selling "light" products including traditional DIY, craft and pet products.

The news comes hot on the heels of last week's announcement that Sainsbury was considering putting Homebase up for sale. Ironically Homebase also has a branch in Clifton Moor - its Stirling Road outlet is less than a mile from Wickes.