Fentimans loss is 'bad for Hexham'
Getty ImagesThe loss of the longstanding Fentimans headquarters has been described as "bad" for the town it is based in.
The fizzy drinks brand, which has been based in Hexham for decades, was bought by Scottish firm AG Barr for about £38m earlier this year. The new owner confirmed this week it would close the office in the town and 29 employees would be made redundant.
Labour MP Joe Morris said the move would have a "profound impact on the community", whereas local resident Don Threadgold said the job losses were "very sad".
AG Barr previously said the decision had not been "taken lightly" and seven Fentimans staff would be joining the firm.
Morris said he had been urging AG Barr to find other job roles for those being made redundant and his office would also help anyone from Fentimans who contacted them.
Threadgold said the loss was "bad for Hexham" and "bad for the poor people" who had lost their jobs.
Meanwhile resident Frances Somers said the loss was a "great shame" but that was how business worked sometimes.
"You get taken over and there are job losses," she said.
AG Barr previously said the move would ensure the "long-term integration and continued growth and success" of the Fentimans brand.
The Hexham office would be shut down in a phased manner over the summer, it said.
A spokesperson said the team's priority had been the welfare of affected colleagues.
"We have conducted individual consultations with every team member and provided comprehensive support, including identifying internal opportunities across the wider business, providing dedicated outplacement services, and offering enhanced redundancy packages," they said.