The depot is the town's biggest employer

The Sainsbury's distribution centre in Buntingford, near Royston, is closing at the end of July because the company wants to improve its supply chain.

The centre, the small town's biggest employer, has given jobs to thousands of people over the past 35 years.

All staff are being given the option of working at the new Waltham Point in Essex 22 miles away.

But many people in Buntingford fear it will leave a massive hole in the town as the depot was a catalyst for the area's development.

"If there isn't work for the people then families will think of moving out and that will not be good for the town," said Buntingford Mayor Eunice Woods