250 jobs go at paper mill

ADMINISTRATORS have made more than 250 people redundant at stricken Bridgewater Paper  in Ellesmere Port.

The recycled paper mill was placed into administration on February 3, and production was ceased six days later, with more than 270 people being laid off. Now 251 redundancies have been confirmed.

Last week, Cheshire Recycling, a subsidiary of Bridgewater Paper was sold to a German firm, safeguarding 50 jobs.

Joint administrator Tom Jack, a partner at Ernst & Young in Manchester said:“This is an extremely unfortunate situation for all employees affected.

“We continue to hold detailed discussions with a number of potential interested parties and still hope to find a buyer for the business as a going concern. In the meantime we are also continuing to fulfil customer orders from stock whilst the sale of the business process continues.”

The mill has a production capacity of 220,000 tonnes per annum and sells paper made here and in Canada.