Historic Maple Leaf Bakery to close

An historic bakery will close early next year with the loss of 236 jobs, it was announced today.

Closure notices have now been issued to all staff at Walsall's Maple Leaf Bakery site after a deal with a potential buyer fell through at the eleventh hour.

Workers today spoke of their devastation at finding out they will lose their jobs just days before Christmas.

It was revealed in November that the site, in Raleigh Street, Birchills, could shut after owner Maple Leaf Bakery UK announced it was pulling out of the sliced bread market.

Chiefs revealed just last week talks with a buyer were in the "advanced stages".

Financial director Cliff Irwin said: "We worked with a number of people who came to see the site but only one was interested in buying it. Up until last Sunday we were trying to pull a deal together."

Closure is now expected in February or March.

One worker, who did not want to be named, said: "To get this news before Christmas is just gutting."

A bakery has been on the site since the 1800s. It produces Harvestime loaves.

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