Chip factory jobs to go

Local farmers grew most of the potatoes processed at the factory

Fifty jobs are to be lost with the closure of Northern Ireland's only frozen chip processing factory.

Production will halt in the new year at Glenfarm Holdings' plant in Ballymoney, County Antrim.

The factory currently processes around 25,000 tonnes of potatoes each year, mostly grown by local farmers.

The company blamed competitive pressures for the decision.

Ulster Farmers Union president John Gilliland said on Wednesday that it was a major blow for his members.

He blamed supermarkets for wanting to drive prices down.

"Here is another example of an indigenous, well-run business having to close its doors because of pressure being put on by modern retailers," he said.

"They pay a lot of lip service to having to support local produce, but when it comes to delivering on it, what are they doing? Our local companies are having to close."