THE owners of Watchet Paper Mill have confirmed the historic factory will close before Christmas with the loss of 176 jobs.

After three months of consultation owner DS Smith confirmed it is shutting Wansbrough Paper Mill, ending 265 years of paper-making in the town.

The company says the aging plant lost a major contract and cannot justify the huge investment that would be necessary to raise product quality standards to meet the demands of the modern market and comply with new pollution controls.

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has promised to 'pull out all the stops' in an effort to help the 176 staff at the paper mill.

He has been in talks with DS Smith and EDF and hopes that Hinkley C could offer work for some of the paper mill workers.

“To suddenly lose 176 well-paid jobs is not only devastating for the individual families concerned but is going to hit hard across the whole of the West Somerset economy where wage levels are generally low,” Mr Liddell-Grainger said.

“While we can fully appreciate the economic realities which have brought this matter to a head it is a very hard blow for Watchet to bear. But I am determined to pull out all the stops to see what alternatives are out there.

“There is a world of difference between paper-making and construction but I am hopeful that within the huge workforce that Hinkley Point will require there will be positions for at least some members of the Wansbrough workforce which has gained a well-deserved reputation for dedication, loyalty and sheer hard work.”

Mayor of Watchet Cllr Peter Murphy said the council will do what they can to help the workers.

"The effect on the town will be immeasurable, but we will do what we can to support the workers.

"I hold every hope the Hinkley will bring jobs to the area but these are early days yet."