Huntsman took over the plant three years ago

American firm Huntsman said the workers were being made redundant as part of a reorganisation programme.

A total of 85 workers were made redundant last year at the factory, which was formerly owned by Albright and Wilson.

The move will leave just 115 staff at the plant which used to employ 2,000 people.

Huntsman, who took over the site three years ago promising a bright future for chemical production in the town, said it regretted the decision which was necessary to put the business on a better footing.

But site director, Michael Carter, said a planned �11m cash injection would reverse years of under-investment and make the future more secure.