Appledore Shipyard made its staff redundant last week

Bosses at Leaderflush and Shapland, which is based in Barnstaple, are asking North Devon District Council to agree urgently a redevelopment plan for its factory site beside the River Taw after lengthy delays over the decision.

The door makers has been waiting five years to move to a new custom-built works at nearby Roundswell.

The company said that its directors, despite being patient for years, will not wait forever.

It's critical to the employment of generations beyond Mark Stevens, Leaderflush and Shapland

The company has been enjoying a strong order book and profit for the shareholders.

But staff spokesman Mark Stevens said the recent redundancies at nearby Appledore Shipbuilders should ring alarm bells.

And he urged the council to decide on the Barnstaple site's future without delay.

He said: "There's only so long a company going to be willing to wait.

"I think the next planning meeting is a key decision. It's critical to me and my employment and critical to the employment of generations beyond."

North Devon District Council said one of its aims is to encourage and assist the development of a healthy economy for the area, through support for the agricultural, manufacturing, business, retail and tourism industries and by broadening the economic base.