The new depot will be opened within a 10-mile radius of the old one

The brewer said 18 staff would be retained at a new smaller site within a 10-mile radius of Alloa.

In January the company said it planned to close the current depot, which employs 59 workers.

A spokesman for Carlsberg UK said the Alloa depot would not be closed until the new site was open.

The news follows the conclusion of a 30-day consultation period with staff affected by the depot's closure.

The company spokesman said a partnership deal with Kuehne Nagel Drinks Logistics (KNDL) would ensure that the smaller depot did not reduce Carlsberg UK's distribution capabilities in the area.

'Public opinion'

He said that workers employed at the Alloa depot would also be "looked upon favourably" by KNDL if they wanted to apply for work.

He said: "It's a difficult decision to make but obviously being able to retain 18 jobs is a good result for us and the community.

"Currently the workforce have three options. They can accept voluntary redundancy, apply for positions at the new depot or work for our partner distributor."

The announcement was welcomed by local MP Gordon Banks who met Carlsberg's strategic planning director Andrew Caswell last week.

Mr Banks said: "The company should be congratulated for listening to the concerns of the local workforce and public opinion.