BANANA firm Geest is to close its Chippenham ripening depot on the Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate.

The depot employs 85 people and although operations manager Richard Worrall said the future of the employees was his top priority, he anticipated many would find themselves without jobs when the doors were closed, probably early in 2001.

Geest Bananas is owned jointly by Dublin-based Fyffes and the Windward Island Development Company.

Fyffes will shed a total of 200 jobs across the country after a decision to merge their ripening networks.

Ripening depots in Clyde Valley, Scotland, and Blaby, Leicestershire are also due to close.

Fyffes estimated the restructuring would cost £2.5 million.

Mr Worrall said the company was consulting with individual employees and through the trade union in an effort to help them through the closure.

"I am personally very sorry for the employees," he said.

"They are a cracking team and I would really like to hear from any local employers looking for excellent staff.

"It is possible some may find jobs within other parts of the company but many will find themselves without a job," he said.

Chippenham Chamber of Commerce chairman Mel Dawson said he was sorry to hear about the job losses.

"It is unfortunate to lose a job at any time," he said. "But unemployment locally is low so hopefully they will be able to find new jobs."