Last week, workers at Richard Burbidge's factory were assured that their jobs are safe even if the Oswestry factory is selected as the favoured site from among three possibilities identified in the development plan.

The Smithfield site was the first to attract attention and led to heated exchanges during the town council's annual meeting last week.

Now rumours about the future of the factory and offices in Whittington Road and Unicorn Road have led to a statement of assurance being issued to staff.

Last week the company's managing director, Steve Underhill, told the Advertizer that a team of experts had been commissioned to look at what is available to the company.

"Richard Burbidge is now looking at all options for its existing sites in Oswestry. The company can see very clear benefits in re-locating to new purpose-built premises elsewhere in Oswestry. New premises would help make the company more productive and efficient and help optimise employment prospects for the long term."

Mr Underhill said the factory site had many advantages for developers.

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