Whitchurch vending firm waits for ban

Bosses at a north Shropshire company face an anxious wait to hear the outcome of Government plans to ban cigarette vending machines which could lead to more than 100 people losing their jobs.

Staff at Cherwell Tobacco in Whitchurch say the firm's future hangs in the balance pending the outcome of a Government judicial review on proposals which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Government want to introduce the ban in a bid to stop young people smoking.

Bosses at the firm, which employs about 120 people and supplies vending machines, say they could be forced to close with "terrible" consequences for the local workforce if the ban comes into force.

Sir Anthony May judged proceedings in London's High Court and will make a decision on the ban in about eight weeks.

Paul Mair, sales and market director of Cherwell Tobacco said he was concerned by the threat.

He said: "If we are forced to close it would be terrible for a small market town like Whitchurch as we are a big employer of local people."