THE Co-operative Group is planning to make up to 60 people redundant at its distribution centre in Birtley.

The group, which bought 630 Alldays stores last year, said it needs to centralise some of its operations to make the process more efficient.

It opened a new national distribution centre in Coventry, due to be operational next month, and will send out slower-selling goods, such as cans and tins, from there while using Birtley for more fresh foods.

The Birtley distribution centre currently employs 310 people.

A Co-op spokesman said: "Regrettably, these measures will mean a reduction in staffing levels of 59 people employed in the warehouse and transport sections, including a small number of supervisory staff.

"Over the coming weeks we will be consulting with staff and their trade union representatives to explore the best way forward.

"We hope that some of the impact on jobs will be absorbed by natural staff turnover and we want to retain as many people as possible through redeployment."

The 59 people are expected to be made redundant by September this year.