Devon factory closes door on 134

The factory was first established in Barnstaple in the 1850s

More than 130 people at a door making firm in north Devon are out of work because of the recession.

Leaderflush Shapland in Barnstaple cut factory working hours at the beginning of the year, hoping business would pick up.

But in April it announced it was planning to cut more than half its 293-strong workforce.

The GMB Union said the 134 redundancies would affect staff in sales, office support and security redundant.

The company, which was previously known as Shapland & Petter, has been operating in Barnstaple since the 1850s.

It said work at the site has had to be scaled back because of the recession.

On Monday, Job Centre Plus staff, union representatives and prospective employers will offer advice to people who have lost their jobs.

The cuts have been described as a massive blow for the town.

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