WHERE will it all end? That is the question grim-faced community leaders are asking after news that the Corus steelmaking plant in Llandybie is closing with the loss of 73 jobs.

Stunned workers were told the axe had fallen at a meeting on Monday morning. There will now be a three-month period of consultation.

One employee, speaking outside the plant, said: “We were told that the original plan was to tell us towards the end of the week but because it’s all over the news, they told us today.

“Everyone is still in shock. It’s not a huge surprise but now that it’s actually happened we can’t believe it.”

Local county councillor Anthony Jones described the news as a “bitter blow” for workers and their families.

“This is devastating news and the Welsh Assembly and UK government must make available funding to sustain indigenous businesses during these difficult times,” he told the Guardian.

Kevin Madge, deputy leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, described the current employment situation as the most worrying he could remember in 30 years as a councillor.

“Right across the country jobs are going because foreign-run companies are pulling the plug,” he said.

“The county council will do all it can for the workers at Llandybie.”

Local MP Adam Price was also shocked at the speed and size of the job cuts.

He and AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas are seeking an urgent meeting with Corus to discuss what assistance can be offered.

“I am horrified at the news,” said Mr Price.

“Obviously the credit crunch has hit Corus like every other company, but the scale of these cuts and their impact on the Llandybie community is a shock to everyone.”