GREENGROCERS across Bridgwater have been hit by the recession, with two companies going into administration.

R C Stokes, in Angel Place, has closed this week along with nine other stores nationally, resulting in a total of 65 redundancies.

And schools have had their free fruit and vegetable supply disrupted after the Wiltshire-based G & S Fruits, which formerly owned Bristol Road firm G & S Cossey, also went into administration.

G & S Cossey now hopes to set up as a new company and save most of its 100 jobs and customer base. It is continuing to supply general catering.

Mark Druitt, a director at G & S Cossey, said: “I’m hoping to keep 80% of the workforce.”

Schools have been informed there could be delays to their supplies for up to four weeks.

David Gliddon, head teacher at North Newton Primary School, said parents had been asked send in healthy snacks in the meantime.

He said: “They [G & S Cossey] have been a very consistent firm over the years and given a wonderful service. There have been no delays so far, as they deliver in advance.”

KPMG, who have been appointed administrators for Stokes Plc, said a decline in sales had resulted in financial losses.