The potential loss of 62 jobs at Müller's Carlisle depot has been described as a disappointment.

MP John Stevenson has spoken out following news on Monday that the German-based dairy giant is considering closing its city depot.

Müller has signalled the start of a 30-day consultation at its Kingstown Industrial Estate depot.

The company said the move follows changes in milk distribution and the firm's mix of customers.

"I am always very disappointed when there are job losses, particularly for the individuals concerned," said Mr Stevenson.

"But having said that, the Carlisle economy is fairly robust and I am happy we have got employment news in other parts of the city's economy."

In a statement Müller said its leadership team would work together with employees and their representatives to consider all options for the site before arriving at any decision on its future.

But it indicated that if the closure went ahead, milk distribution would be moved to Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester, creating up to 39 roles, which will be offered to those at risk of redundancy at Carlisle.

"Traditionally milk was transported from distribution depots directly to individual stores every day, but increasingly retail customers seek very large volumes of milk delivered to regional distribution centres, from where they then deliver to their own stores," said the statement.

Paul Lloyd, logistics director for Müller Milk and Ingredients, said: "In order to be able to compete we must have the most efficient and effective logistics network in our industry, geared to the needs of our customers now and in the future."

James Postings, Usdaw union area organiser, said: "We will now enter into formal consultation with the employer to interrogate their proposal for the closure."

In 2012, the German company bought Robert Wiseman dairy, which was based in East Kilbride. Three years ago, it bought Dairy Crest's dairy operations.

Since 2013 the company has embarked on the closure of several of their depots in the UK.

Muller stressed that customers would not be affected by any change, and that the proposal would have no impact on its relationship with dairy farmers.