NEARLY 200 workers face the axe at one of Winsford's major employers.
Wincanton's 184-strong workforce were told their jobs were on the line on Thursday when owner Woolworths announced it would be abandoning the factory on Winsford Industrial Estate.
Staff have 90 days until operations at the distribution centre, which is operated by Wincanton and owned by struggling chain-store Woolworths, will be brought to a halt.
One worker said: 'It was a big shock when we were told on Thursday. There has been a review by Woolworths of distribution facilities and it has been proposed to close the warehouse at Winsford.
'We don't know what will happen. We have entered into a 90-day consultation period and we will have to wait and see what our options are, if any.'
As the Chronicle went to press, Woolworths bosses were locked in talks with trade union USDAW.
Woolworths, the operator of 806 UK stores, was last week hit by a drop in share price and it is believed the company has decided costs must be cut.
A statement said: 'The changes involve a re-focusing of distribution activity across the chain and it does mean that Woolworths will no longer operate a service from the distribution centre at Winsford.'
'Wincanton spokesman Charles Parr said the company would try to find a buyer for the site who would be willing to keep it running as a distribution centre.
He said: 'Is there a chance the jobs can be saved? Yes, but there is no guarantee, I wouldn't want to get anyone's hopes up. But if someone comes along willing to take the distribution centre on, then we would work with them.'
Cllr Brian Clarke said: 'It's a big blow to us, I'm really disappointed to hear that. A lot of them are skilled jobs, like wagon drivers or fork-lift truck drivers. They are a great bunch.'
