By Matthew Legg

Last updated 11:38, Wednesday, 16 July 2008

HOPES of a reprieve for threatened workers at a Carlisle bread depot have been dashed.

Moving on: Warburtons say it has outgrown the distribution depot at Rosehill Industrial Estate, Carlisle

Warburtons announced last month that it intended to close its Rosehill distribution centre in September, with the loss of 26 jobs.

The company said it had “outgrown” the premises.

Hopes were raised when it was rumoured that bosses were seeking an alternative site for the operation.

Carlisle MP Eric Martlew met with the executives from the firm last Friday.

He said: “It appears they are not looking for another site and will transfer the work to Newcastle.

“That means running vans across from the north east to supply shops in Carlisle.

“The company said it was just a change in business patterns that had caused the closure.

“They have promised to try and find staff other jobs in the company or help them retrain for other work.”

The company began a 30-day consultation period with staff and unions last month and has started redundancy negotiations.

Warburtons’ 10-year lease on the Rosehill site – at Allenbrook Road – ran out in September 2006, but was extended for two years.

But bosses say the operation has since “outgrown” the building.

Bread will now be driven from Newcastle to supply shops in Carlisle.

Staff at Rosehill – mainly delivery drivers and administrative workers – will be offered positions at other Warburtons sites. The nearest are in Newcastle, Glasgow, and Blackpool.

An employee at the Warburtons’ depot said: “We feel very let down.

“Most of us there are family men with kids, and mortgages to pay.

“Last September we were told there was going to be a new depot built at Carlisle, then we heard it was to close.”