A MAJOR jobs blow was dealt to the area this week with the announcement of 28 jobs losses in Llandybie.

International steel-making giant Corus announced that the jobs were going to be lost at its European Profiles base.

Local politicians immedately attacked the decision.

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: "This is a double edged sword announcement by the company. On the one hand there will be substantial investment in centralising the company's production of Housing Profiles at Llandybie and creating a Centre of Excellence in this sector. This will hopefully secure the long term future of the plant, hopefully in time further jobs will come with this investment.

"On the other hand, the company have announced that 28 jobs will be lost at Llandybie. This is going to have a substantial effect on the local economy."

He added: "The losses in this sector have been at record highs since the Labour Government came to power.

"The Labour Government in the Assembly won't blink at this announcement as they set targets at an all Wales level, locally this is yet more bad news."

Adam Price MP, Plaid's Trade and Industry spokesperson at Westminster, said: "The company are hopeful that all redundancies will be on a voluntary basis. The company have assured us that the creation of the centre of excellence proves their long term commitment to the Llandybie plant."

Corus spokesman Simon Jenkins said: "The companies aim is to build a Centre of Excellence in Llandybie to produce composite panelling. To do this we have invested heavily in big machines, however these machines do not require as much man power. It is very unfortunate that our investment to secure the future of the Llandybie plant resulted in job loses."