The mill supplies toilet paper

Swedish firm SCA Hygiene wants to double its workforce by expanding a plant in Oakenholt Mill, near Flint.

There are fears that the firm will close the mill and move away unless a proposal to expand the plant onto neighbouring farmland is approved.

Phil Morgan of the Graphical, Paper and Media Union said: "The plant won't be viable if they don't get the extension."

"There is concern that the prospect of 200 new jobs won't come to Flintshire.

They've gone back to the drawing board Phil Morgan, Graphical, Paper and Media Union

"Our concern now is the Swedish board could move to France."

Members of the East Oakenholt Residents' Association objected to the plans after learning that the expansion would reach within 15 metres of the back of nearby gardens.

Flintshire planners agreed, saying that the extension would be "significantly detrimental" to local people.

Compromise

The company withdrew the planning application knowing it was likely to be refused and has been working on a compromise.

"They've gone back to the drawing board," added Mr Morgan.

The union has been in touch with Delyn MP David Hanson on the issue.

The plant produces toilet paper for commercial premises and is the largest supplier of the product to the NHS.

The original plans show that the company wanted to sink the new building into the ground so the roof would be at ground level. Landscaping was also planned.

Flint town councillors have also objected, describing it as "gross overdevelopment".