(09 Mar 2022, 12:58 pm)Adrian wrote The article also states (4th paragraph) that "The company has since responded to the claims, refuting any suggestion that there are plans to close the site which has been open since 1912"
Which appears to be in conflict with the quote you've pulled from the article, but I'd say still amounts to a ruling out. As you say though, plans can change, but I'd suggest changing them so soon after refuting something would not go down well with the workforce. Political suicide, you might say...
That's not a quote that, it's just summarising by the Northern Echo. Only the bottom bit seems to be a quote and they've read it as that.
Personally reading that it suggests there's plans which involves Chester Le Street's depot but not that particular that depot. There's been rumours of a Washington/Chester Le Street super depot for over a decade and it still wouldn't surprise if there's still not plans floating around for one. It's just a matter of time imo whether that's this year or 10 years time as both depots are old and both could be sold for a good sum no doubt paying for the new depot pretty much if it's somewhere like the rumoured Drum Ind. Estate.