Century-old clay quarry closing

A clay quarry that has dominated the north Devon countryside for a century is closing on Friday.

Imerys says costs at the Meeth clay works near Hatherleigh are too high.

Sales of clay from Meeth have dropped by 60% in 11 years. The reason for this has been competition from Ukraine where clay can be produced much more cheaply.

Imerys, which owns the 100-acre site, says it has no option but to shut the plant down, with 10 people being made redundant.

At one point, 30 people worked there.

The company said a decision had not yet been made about the future of the site but talks are taking place with Devon County Council about its restoration.

Last month, the company announced between 70 and 80 jobs were to be cut in Cornwall.