Steel manufacturer Ancon Clark has confirmed that it will be letting up to 18 workers go from its Deeside site.

Mr Peter McDermott operations director of Ancon Clark said that "After a period of consultation we have regrettably made the decision of having to make 15 to 18 redundancies to our on site workforce."

He added that "We have taken all the steps necessary to reduce losses over the last few months, but looking to the future the situation is likely to get worse as everyone struggles to cope with the financial crisis. It is a sad time for everyone and we are having to readdress."

While the current situation is bleak, Mr McDermott was upbeat about the firm's long term survival chances. He said that "We have no intention of closing the site at Deeside. At this moment in time the problems in the construction industry mean we have to look at other areas for development."

He further added that "The short term problems are having a big effect on everyone in the industry, but looking long term if there is space for further development we will expand into that and maybe look to moving products in other than steel."