A Somerset fruit processing plant is to close with the loss of 81 jobs. Management at JP Bananas said its packing factory on the Bristol Road in Bridgwater would close in the near future, at a date yet to be confirmed. "This decision has not been taken lightly and a number of options were considered before coming to this conclusion", said a spokesman. The packing business will be handled by the firm's two other depots in Bolton, Greater Manchester and Dartford, Kent. Staff who wish to relocate have been told opportunities exist for them at the other sites.