WORKERS at the Co-op depot at Chelston, near Wellington, are facing an uncertain future after the company said it was reviewing its distribution network.

The WWNs understands that its 334 staff have been told that the 185,000 square foot depot will close towards the latter part of next year.

They are hoping the company could build a much larger centre on the new Westpark 26 business park not far from its existing depot at Cheltston.

An unnamed member of staff at Chelston said yesterday: "We've been told the depot will close but we've not been told any more. It's a secret."

Another worker said: "Our fear is that they decide not to build here, but move our jobs to Bristol, leaving us high and dry."

In a statement to the WWN, the Co-op said: "The Co-operative Group Board has approved plans for a new regional depot to serve food stores in the South West, as part of the ongoing review of its distribution network following the acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain.

"No final decision has yet been made on the location of the new facility, which is expected to open in the second half of next year, nor on the role of the Co-operative depot at Wellington."

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