ALTONÕS Unigate Milk delivery depot closed down on Saturday, February 23, as part of what Unigate calls an Òongoing operational reviewÓ of its services.

The depot in Anstey Lane has served the Alton area and surrounding villages for several years. Its closure means that all Alton services will now be operated from the Farnham depot.

Unigate Dairycrest customer relations manager Chris Munn said: ÒThe closure came about as part of an ongoing operational review at all of our sites throughout the area.

ÒThe Alton site was a comparatively small one, and so the operation has been located to the bigger Farnham site, purely because it makes more sense.

ÒThe modern milk vehicle can now travel faster and further than ever, thanks to the advancements in battery technology. This is what has made the transition possible.

ÒThe workers have agreed to start earlier and no deliveries are made en route to Alton, so there will be no effect on our service to customers whatsoever.

ÒOur primary aim has been to achieve a seamless transition, which at this point in time, it seems we have.

ÒThere were no redundancies resulting from the move. All staff are still needed because the only thing that has changed about the operation is its starting point.

ÒSeven roundsmen, one administrator and one manager, have all been transferred.

ÒSo far we have had no issues with either customers or staff, and everyone seems to be happy with the new arrangement.

ÒI donÕt know what will happen to the old Alton site now. That will be for the property department to decide.Ó