MYSTERY surrounds the future of around 20 Golden Valley jobs after a manufacturing firm shut its gates this week, writes RICHARD WILSON.

The management of Belmont Plastics turned staff away as they arrived for work last week after two years' trading at a unit on the Madley Airfield industrial estate.

A source close to the company said this week that the closure was hoped to be temporary and that negotiations were underway to save the business. It is believed that there were four shifts operating within the factory, plus ancillary office staff.

The private company shared the airfield building with another firm, that continues to trade normally. Belmont Plastics had 225,000 £1 shares issued in its name. Shareholders are Gary Davies of Lyston Court, Wormelow; Peter Saxty Hill of Byford Court, Byford; Richard Kitson of Belbroughton; Barrington Investments of St Owens Street, Hereford; C F Roberts of St Owens Street, Hereford and Peter Williamson c/o Wyevale Holdings. Records show that the company secretary is David Jones of The Courtyard, Cheltenham. Directors include Mr Jones, Mr Davies, Mr Hill, Mr Kitson and Michael Roberts of The Grange, Pencoyd, St Owens Cross.

Golden Valley councillor Graham Morgan was full of sympathy for the employees.

"It's rather sad to think that a firm like this should close down. Any closure, especially in a rural area like the Golden Valley, hits the community hard," he said.

"This doesn't just affect the 30 people who've lost their jobs, but all of their families as well. I just hope that there will be an alternative solution to this."