Job warnings at dairy firm

The dairy employs more than 200 people

A dairy fined £5,000 after admitting it failed to ensure the safety of a non-employee at its Conwy depot has warned it may have to move from the county.

With around 200 workers, Longslow Food Group in Mochdre near Colwyn Bay is one of the biggest employers in the area.

It says the jobs could be lost unless a suitable site is found for the growing company.

Magistrates in Llandudno heard that a lorry driver who had been securing pallets on his wagon had suffered a broken leg when he stepped back and was run over by a forklift truck.

The defence said that although the number of workers at Mochdre had doubled, the company had to work with the existing site logistics which were less than ideal.

New premises

The dairy, which has been at Mochdre for more than half a century, was also ordered to pay £1,765 costs by magistrates.

Managing director Paul Goulding said the firm had been trying to find new premises locally for two years.

Unions would oppose a move from Colwyn Bay

He revealed that they had contacted the Welsh Assembly, Welsh Development Agency, Conwy county council and Clwyd West MP, Gareth Thomas.

But so far nowhere has been found to house its transport and administration facilities.

John Hamilton, regional organiser of Amicus AEEU, one of the unions representing the workforce, said they would oppose any move out of the area.

"Manufacturing jobs are already being lost in the area and we can't afford any more losses.

"Any move of that kind would have an impact on the local community.

"Amicus AEEU would be looking at working with the company, the Welsh Development Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to look at better facilitates and allow expansion.

"Even though space is not a luxury there we would make every effort to make the site safe and ensure it has appropriate facilities to maintain a presence in Mochdre."

A Longslow Food Group spokesperson said it would not be available to make a further comment until Friday.