147 defence jobs to go at Aberporth (From Western Telegraph)

147 defence jobs to go at Aberporth

One hundred and forty seven jobs are to be lost as the Ministry of Defence scales down operations at its weapons testing range in Aberporth.

Half of them will be gone by April next year with the remainder going throughout 2004. The second phase of rendundancies comes in the year that should have been a celebraton of the facilitys 65th anniversary.

News of the losses deals a further blow the local economy after the recent announcement by clothing manufacturer Dewhirst that it is to close its factory in Cardigan with a loss of 325 jobs, and the threat hanging over the Fishguard factory.

The latest job losses, at MoD-owned company QinetiQ, reduce an already depleted workforce by half. They are thought to be connected to the MoDs decision to close down their airfield in Llanbedr, Gwynedd, by spring 2004. The pilotless aircraft used as targets for missiles fired at Aberporth were launched from there.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the cuts were due to the changing role of the Aberporth range and the changing capabilities of its Blaenannerch airfield.

She also said that the MoD will honour its committment to Aberporth apprentice training scheme until its scheduled completion in April, 2004. Aberporth Community Council deplores the decision and the dreadful effect it will have on the community.