FEARS were growing last night for the future of one of the North-East's oldest breweries.
Cameron's Lion Brewery, based in Hartlepool, faces an anxious time while parent company Wolverhampton and Dudley conducts a review of operations.
The 128-year-old brewery - best known for its Strongarm brand - narrowly avoided closure 18 months ago when Wolverhampton and Dudley fought off a hostile takeover.
Now the company is rumoured to become a takeover target for the second time - with investment banking group Botts lining up a bid - and the brewery could be in the firing line once more.
Hartlepool Borough Council leader Arthur Preece said: "It would appear the Lion Brewery is at the mercy of industry changes."
The brewery employs 175 people making Strongarm and Harp lager, which is produced under licence.
The company, which is expected to make an announcement next month, was unavailable last night.
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