WORKERS still reeling from news that their cement plant is to be axed, have learned that it was the most productive plant in the country.

One of the largest employers in Weardale, County Durham, Blue Circle Cement will close its Eastgate plant at the end of April - with the loss of 150 staff.

Employees say they have received a further slap in the face after learning that the Weardale works is the only factory in the UK to receive a production bonus - which means no other plant in the country met its production target.

One worker, who asked not to be named, said: "We've just been told that we're getting a production bonus. "That means we're the most productive works in the company. There's a lot of unhappy people at Blue Circle, very unhappy because there's a lot of younger people with mortgages and new cars."

Owners of the Weardale works, Lafarge Cement UK - which insists cement production at the site must cease - argued the production target was set was lower than normal because of a flooded cement market.

A spokeswoman said: "We thanked the Weardale team for the performance they have delivered over the years. Last year was no exception - the factory did a great job and was the only one in the UK to get a production bonus.

"However, we must be clear that the plant production plan was lower than normal given the changing cement market. Their performance cannot change the market; there is too much cement production capacity in the UK and sadly Weardale must close."

Durham County Councillor John Shuttleworth questioned why the Eastgate plant was sacrificed above others, saying the factory made £11m for Blue Circle last year and even last week was shipping out thousands of tonnes of cement and clinker.

Staff have been offered relocation to other sites within the country, but jobs are dependent on other works taking voluntary redundancy.