FORTY-NINE jobs will be lost when BOCM Pauls closes Eldmire Mill at Dalton, near Thirsk, in three weeks' time.

The animal feed manufacturer bought the poultry mill from Hillsdown Holdings just three weeks ago, but says the decision to close it comes as a result of an intensive period of review and consultation with employees.

The manufacture and distribution of the feed, the majority of which is turkey feed, will be transferred to the firm's Selby mill by Monday, July 9, and the Dalton site will be sold for light industrial use.

Mr Peter Rollings, feeds director of BOCM Pauls, said: "The consultation process has highlighted the opportunity for some of the Eldmire staff to transfer to Selby.

"We regret that some job losses will be associated with the closure and the company will provide every assistance to employees to find alternative employment."

He added that BOCM Pauls bought Eldmire Mill from Hillsdown Holdings as part of a policy to buy businesses that fit strategically with theirs and that the take-over demonstrated their commitment to expanding the firm's core animal feed business.

Mr Mick Jewitt, head of planning policy and economic development at Hambleton District Council, said they regretted the job losses.

"There are about 35 firms on Dalton industrial estate employing about 800 people, so it's an important employment area for us and we regret these job losses.

"We would hope that the development and expansion of Thirsk industrial estate and also at Dalton, on land this council has provided, will be able to absorb some of these job losses.

"We would also be interested in talking to the firm about the long term plans for the site at Dalton and its redevelopment."