PLUMBERS and heating engineers at a leading Devizes company were told yesterday they were to be made redundant.

Renelec Devizes Ltd of Brownston House, New Park Street, has ceased trading but other companies within the group will remain operating.

Managing director John Skeen said: "Unfortunately, after many years of trading we have reluctantly decided to cease operations at our plumbing and heating company, Renelec Devizes Limited with immediate effect. 

"This is to protect the ongoing profitable trading companies within the group, unaffected are Renelec Ltd, Renelec Chalgrove Ltd, Renelec Groundworks Ltd, Renelec Building Services Ltd, Renelec Hennion Ltd & Renelec Construction Ltd."

Group Finance director Andy Harper said: "Unfortunately we have had to start the process of liquidating one of companies within the group. As from today (April 1) we have had to make all employees redundant in the company."

A number of shocked employees who have told they are now out of a job during these difficult times of coronavirus have taken to community Facebook sites to try and find new employment.