AN East Lancashire call centre is closing with the loss of 250 jobs.

US-based outsourcing company Sitel, which handles online holiday bookings, will move out of the Globe Centre, Accrington, in November.

The decision has been described as a ‘devastating’ blow to the area.

It is believed one of its clients, travel firm Expedia, is moving calls to Bangalore in India.

Expedia failed to comment yesterday.

Bosses broke the news to staff on Wednesday afternoon.

Coun Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Companies like these don't appreciate the impact on our locality.

"It is devastating when any person loses their job. The heartache will be felt by families throughout the area.

"Any job losses in these economic times, not just in Hyndburn but across Lancashire, is not good news."

One worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "The managers had a conference call with America and came out and told the staff.

"They told us we had three months left on our contracts.

"We were told it is a financial decision.

"There aren't many jobs around.

"We can't understand it as they were taking people on.

"We've had people in training but there won't be any jobs for them now.

"Some people who were there with Thomas Cook who were told to clear out their desks will have to do the same again now."

The firm took over the former Thomas Cook offices in 2009.

Previously Airtours and Mytravel have used the Globe Centre as a base.

Sitel employs travel advisors and support staff who help customers book holidays, answer queries, advise customers on travel destinations and change booking details.

The Globe Centre is also home to Contour Homes, Hyndburn Homes, North West Training and Development Team, Thomas Cook, NHS, Elevate, and Accrington and Rossendale College’s Graduates Facility.

Around 100 customer service centre staff from Lancashire County Council are based there.

There are also conference facilities and a restaurant called Traders Brasserie and a hotel and restaurant, Horizons.

It is run by Globe Enterprises, a joint venture between chairman Stuart Nevison, Hyndburn Council and Barnfield Construction.

Mr Nevison said he was informed that Sitel was moving out by a senior manager.

He said: "It is desperately devastating.

"Sitel moved in here three years ago and have recruited very hard to build up a large number of staff here.

"We still have call centres within the Globe Centre and it's been very successful.

"But when large companies move business offshore that is very sad and disappointing for the town."

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: "I feel for the people losing their jobs at this particular time.

"Areas like this are suffering because of the Government's failing economic policies.

"They have no plan for growth."

Ian Smith, president of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, said: "It is bound to have a knock-on effect on the whole town with 250 fewer people coming into the area.

"It is happening more often now and is cheaper labour for these big companies."

He said Hyndburn Borough Council would work with its partners to market the site to attract other businesses.

Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Trade, said: "It is almost a story of two halves.

"While it is bad news for Accrington as peoples' spending power in local shops will go, these workers are well trained and other firms, such as Daisy and New Call Telecom in Simonstone, are recruiting.

"Hopefully replacement companies can be found to come into Accrington."

Sitel's headquarters is based in Nashville, Tennessee, North America, and it has 135 contact centres worldwide.

Joe Doyle, vice president of global marketing for Sitel, said: "It is Sitel's policy not to disclose any information publicly about our client contracts or comment on our client relationships."