Whitchurch cigarette vendor to axe 30 jobs

A Whitchurch cigarette vendor today announced it is to axe up to 30 jobs.

Bosses at The Cherwell Group, which employs about 65 people in Whitchurch and 130 nationally, said a Government ban on cigarette vending machines due to come in next month was to blame for the move.

Paul Mair, sales and market director of Cherwell Tobacco and chair of the National Association of Cigarette Machine Operators, was involved in a failed attempt to appeal against the new legislation in the Supreme Court.

The company was established more than 35 years ago.

Mr Mair said: "We have been fighting the cause for two years and our appeal was knocked back in the Supreme Court. The staff have been briefed about what's going on."

News of the redundancies have been met with disappointment from civic leaders in Whitchurch who said it was very sad for employees and the town.

Councillor Peggy Mullock, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "These are young families and I hope employment can be found for them elsewhere."

Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire, said: "We have met them and have been in discussions with Government ministers and are trying to arrange a meeting with Andrew Lansley."