RETAIL giant Tesco is to close a distribution centre with the loss of more than 400 jobs.

Bosses at the firm have announced the Pochin Way site in Middlewich is to be shut down, with operations being moved to a larger site in Goole, in Yorkshire, more than 100 miles away.

The centre, one of the biggest employers in South Cheshire, is expected to close by June and a 90-day consultation over the future of its 426 workers has begun.

A spokesman said: "At Tesco we regularly review our distribution network to ensure it is providing the very best service to our stores.

"Following our latest review, we have decided to close the Middlewich distribution centre, subject to consultation with the trade union, with these operations moving to a larger distribution centre in Goole.

"Tesco will be creating over 2,500 new jobs in the North West over the next 12 months and all staff affected by the proposed changes will be offered other opportunities."

Cheshire East councillor Jamie Macrae, member for prosperity, said: "Cheshire East Council regrets that Tesco's Middlewich grocery distribution is to close with the expected loss of more than four hundred local jobs.

"Our main concern now is with those people who stand to lose their livelihoods through no fault of their own.

"The council has already mobilised a redundancy action support team that will work alongside Tesco over the next six months to ensure workers, who are dealing with the threat of redundancy, are given all the help and support they need"