A MID Wales business which only set up in Montgomeryshire last year has been evicted from its premises.
Regal Fayre, which was based at the Factory, Forden Road, Montgomery, was served with a notice of forfeiture over unpaid rent to repossess the premises on December 1.
The family run firm produced a high quality range of meat products for the retail food service and export sectors.
The factory opened back in July 2009 with an announcement that it would be employing 16 people with the intention of upping the workforce to 54 people within two years.
Former Montgomeryshire MP Lembit Opik had been instrumental in the opening of the factory after assisting the owners in securing funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland.
At the time he said: “This is the biggest success story for Montgomeryshire since the recession started.”
The premises at Montgomery are owned by Charlies Stores and they confirmed a forfeiture notice had been served on Regal Fayre over unpaid rent.
Charlies Stores financial director Nick Dann said: “The building is owned by Charlies Stores and Regal Fayre had leased the building from Charlies Stores.
“Unfortunately they were unable to pay the rent so we issued a notice of forfeiture on December 1 to repossess the building.”
The County Times has also been contacted by former employees who have voiced concerns about the company failing to pay November’s wage packet.
One employee spoke to Montgomery Mayor Cerys Thomas who said: “They didn’t wish to be identified as they are very anxious about what’s happening. They don’t know if they’ll still have a job, which is especially worrying at this time of year.
"The postman has confirmed that he was unable to deliver post there, but nobody knows what has happened. It’s a shame because it’s a new business and we want to see businesses thriving here.”
Montgomery County Councillor Stephen Hayes said: “The loss of this business is a real blow to Montgomery.
“The factory stood empty for many years before Regal Fayre took it over, and when it reopened there was a definite feeling of optimism in the town, coming at the same time as the plans for a new nursing home, for which permission was recently given. It looked as if prospects were good for Montgomery’s economic prosperity.
“Montgomery depends heavily on tourism for its economic health, but it also needs local jobs, and the closure of the factory will definitely affect residents and local businesses.
“I will be doing all I can to encourage new businesses.”
The County Times contacted Regal Fayre director Albert Robinson who did not want to make any comment about the Montgomery premises or the current position of the company.