Jonathan Morrisand
Johnny Rutherford,South West
BBC
A demonstration has been held outside a paper company by people campaigning against its possible closure, with workers and their families warning it would be a “huge loss” to the area.
Janice Mason, who works on site as a contractor, said: “We’re just trying to highlight the impact of closing this factory.”
DS Smith said the proposal followed “a review of UK packaging operations” and was linked to “tough trading conditions” as it looked to “improve efficiency and respond to changing customer demand”.
Mason said generations of local families had worked at the site and warned: “It’s going to be a huge loss to this town.”
A consultation meeting was held at the same time as the demonstration, with Mason explaining it was “between management workers and unions to see if there’s anything that could be done to save the factory”.
Hayley Sanders, whose husband and father-in-law both work at the factory, said the aim of the protest was “to raise awareness of how important the site is to the town and community” and “the effect that it (closing) could have on families in the future”.
A DS Smith spokesperson said: “We are aware of today’s peaceful demonstration related to our proposal and recognise the significance of the site to the wider community in Cornwall.
“Our ongoing focus is on supporting colleagues through our consultation process. However, we are unable to comment further until this has concluded.”
