l Continued from page 1

and Cornwall Business Point and a number of other public, private and voluntary bodies, the council had spearheaded a support and economic regeneration package.

To date, 96 people are back in employment, with an additional 147 having taken part in 'Response to Redundancy' training.

Both Browne's and Polestar are back in production, but on a smaller scale than before the redundancies. The news about Kerry Ingredients will be seen as detrimental to Devon County Council's efforts.

West Devon Borough Councillor Christine Marsh said: 'It's just one blow after another for Okehampton.

'We all thought things were on the up in the town, and then this has come out of nowhere. Sadly it seems too late to save Kerrys.

'All we can do is try and plug Okehampton and entice business here, showing them what the town has to offer.'

She said the meeting on Tuesday was focused more on the long-term recovery of Okehampton's economy.

She added:?'The meeting discussed various points, looking at Okehampton's future, including the roll-out of fast speed broadband, and electricity points for electric cars.

'We are looking at ways to make Okehampton more attractive to employers, and it's a shame to lose Kerry Ingredients here.

'We don't want people to have to re-locate, and it would be a shame to lose people who do decide to relocate.'