SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons has announced its distribution depot in Aylesford, near Maidstone, is to close with the loss of about 1,200 jobs.

Following months of speculation about the future of the depot, an official statement has been issued by the company.

It said: "After considering alternatives to site closure, regrettably no viable options have been found and following conclusion of the formal consultation process, we have now confirmed that the depot will close."

"We are aiming to minimise redundancies as far as possible and will be talking about alternative roles within Morrisons.

"Outplacement support will be available and we will be doing all we can to help equip people for future employment."

The decision comes as no surprise to staff who say Morrisons has been running down the site ready for closure.

Forklift truck driver Philip Parris said: "There has been no work for months. It is sad to see the site like this."

The announcement marks the end of era for the site which Morrisons bought from Safeway in 2004.

Relations between workers and the company have been strained since Morrisons took on the site and critics, including Aylesford and Chatham MP Jonathan Shaw, have accused the company of poor management and handling of the situation.