UNIONS fear further job cuts at one of the region's oldest transport firms.

Brambles Heavy Contracting, of Billingham, is understood to have issued redundancy notices to eight drivers.

The road haulage company specialises in abnormal load movements and has won contracts to transport the Angel of the North and the replacement for the Piper Alpha oil rig platform.

It was formerly known as Econofreight and incorporates former Northallerton-based transport company Sunter Brothers.

At its height, the company employed more than 150 people, but that figure has gradually been reduced and now stands at 22.

Allan Gray, regional industrial organiser for the Transport and General Workers Union, said they had no formal recognition agreement with Brambles, but had spoken to members at the company over their concerns.

He said: "There have been redundancies there, and more are taking place.

"Our concern is that the company was quite vibrant on Teesside at one time, but now seems to be downsizing and making redundancies."

The company, which has strong links with the chemical and ship building industries, has interests in Holland as a result of previous takeovers.

One member of staff, who did not want to be named, said they were worried that work was being transferred to the Dutch side of the company.

He said: "Everyone is concerned about the way we have been treated and if the managers have their way the UK side of the company will probably close."

The company said it was not in a position to comment when contacted by The Northern Echo.