THE loss of nearly 50 skilled jobs in Aberystwyth have been confirmed this week in a “big blow” for the town and its economy.

Cambrian Printers, which was once part of the Cambrian News, has a 160-year connection with the town.

Pensord, which bought the family firm in 2017, confirmed on Monday that the manufacturing part of the business will move to South Wales. Only 13 of the approximately 60 jobs have been retained, they said.

The Cambrian News understands that several local staff will move to Blackwood and some will continue to work remotely from the Aberystwyth area. Around 50 people have been made redundant.

Robert Read, who owned Cambrian Printers until 2017, said: “The Read family are very sad and disappointed by the decision, but understand the reasons why.

“Once the orders started to dry up, it was inevitable and the directors of Cambrian Printers were left with little choice.

“The Read family still owns the premises in Llanbadarn and we are currently in discussions with the company over the lease, which has around two years left to run.”

Ceredigion MS Elin Jones labelled the closure of the Llanbadarn office a “big blow for the workers and the town’s economy”.

Managers at Pensord said in a statement: “Following a period of consultation with staff members at Cambrian Printers the business can confirm that despite the horrendous impacts of Covid-19, Cambrian Printers will remain open for business and that with the support of the rest of the group, 13 jobs have been retained/saved.

“The manufacturing part of the business will move to South Wales as this has proved to be the only way that the business and these jobs could be saved.

“The company would like to express their sadness for the loss of jobs, and many loyal employees, as a result of direct impacts of the pandemic.”

Llanbadarn councillor Gareth Davies said he understood some employees were now working from home in Aberystwyth and travelling to Blackwood once a week.

Elin Jones MS added: “It’s not surprising that the vast majority of workers have not been able to relocate with the company to Gwent as they have families and commitments locally. Despite the tough economic circumstances, I hope that workers can quickly find alternative employment in the area.”

Cllr Davies added: “It is unlikely that there will be jobs available locally for the skills that the impacted staff have.

“There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the business and unfortunately, this another example of the challenges facing businesses in this current climate.

“I have contacted Ceredigion council to see if they can investigate what could happen with the premises now, and to see what measures can be put in place to try to attract other people to try and take over the site.”

“We have to look to the future to see if someone could move into the site; whether it’s one business or lots of small businesses,” Cllr Davies added