A SAINSBURY’S distribution depot is to close in April putting scores of jobs at risk.

Over-capacity has been blamed for the decision to close the operation, managed by Exel, in Springhead Enterprise Park, Northfleet, which employs 191 people.

Talks are going on with workers about possible redeployment to other Sainsbury’s depots, also managed by Exel, in Allington, near Maidstone, and at Charlton.

But Exel was unable to say just how many vacancies would be on offer to Northfleet employees.

The 140,000 sq ft depot at Springhead Enterprise Park stores non-perishable products for distribution to 70 Sainsbury’s stores across the region.

Exel recently won a contract to run the Sainsbury-owned depot in Charlton and manages the supermarket’s supply chain across the South East.

An Exel spokeswoman said there was "too much capacity." The company claimed that the closure would give "an opportunity to further enhance the efficiency of the network".

It added: "This does not, in any way, reflect the commitment and dedication that has been shown by staff at this site.

"Both companies acknowledge the uncertainty that this announcement will create for its staff at the Northfleet site and will do their utmost to minimise the impact to individual colleagues."