AN MP has said the breaking news that Morrisons is stopping operations at a distribution centre in Bradford, with more than 450 jobs at risk, is "terrible" for the city.

The supermarket giant announced operations will cease at its Cutler Heights produce site in the second half of this year.

It means the jobs of 456 employees there are at risk of redundancy.

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins (Labour) said she has been in conversation with Morrisons about the announcement and will work hard to support those workers affected.

She added: “This is terrible news for Bradford and is clearly devastating for the hundreds of people who have today found out they may lose their job here.

"I have spoken with Morrisons about this announcement, and I will, of course, work with the DWP and trade unions to support those workers who may be affected.”

Cutler Heights was the Bradford-based supermarket chain's first-ever produce site and supplies 59 fruit products and 115 million packs of fruit a year.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Morrisons site at Cutler HeightsThe Morrisons site at Cutler Heights (Image: Newsquest)

Morrisons said the move would enable a range of efficiency savings, together with a reduction of around 650,000 food miles annually.

The firm will "consolidate" and now move all operations to its only other fruit packing site, which is in Thrapston, Northamptonshire.

A spokesperson for the company said recent investments at that site have created more capacity and space, making the move possible.

Its produce pick will transfer to its Wakefield distribution centre.

The company has said it will try to employ those people at risk of losing their jobs in Bradford in other manufacturing, logistics and retail sites in the local area.

Alternatively, 400 new roles will be created across its Thrapston site and Wakefield distribution centre.