ALMOST 200 jobs are in the balance after plans were announced to close a major employer in a Kent town.

Premier Foods, which runs the Batchelor's factory in Ashford, has revealed proposals to shut its factory last Friday.

The factory, famous for its soups and other foods such as Oxo cubes, employs 195 people.

If the plans go ahead it would shut in May next year. This year is Batchelor's 50th birthday in the town.

The company was sold from Campbell's Grocery Products to Premier Foods in August last year.

In a statement, the proposal to close a factory in Kings Lynn and invest in sites at Long Sutton, Wisbech and Worksop was also announced.

Chief executive Robert Schofield said: "I appreciate greatly the commitment of our Ashford factory employees, and understand the impact which these proposals would have on the individuals directly affected.

"Our proposals are very much about growing our business and our brands."