12 September 2012 Last updated at 09:26 ET

Plans to close Warburton bakery in Blackpool announced

Warburtons has announced plans to close its bakery in Blackpool.

The company has entered into a 90-day consultation period with 73 employees over closing the site in Brinwell Road.

Chairman Jonathan Warburton said the last year had been "particularly challenging" due to the economic climate and a competitive market.

Blackpool Council leader Simon Blackburn said the council would "provide all possible support" to staff who lose their jobs.

He added: "I, supported by the council's economic development team, will work with Warburtons to try and retain some form of presence in Blackpool, and to protect as many jobs as possible."

Mr Warburton said: "The proposed changes are designed to make our manufacturing operations more efficient which will help us better meet the demands of our customers and consumers across the UK.

"We appreciate how tough a period this is for our employees in Blackpool and we will work closely with them and their representatives to discuss our proposal and explore all available options."

Warburtons, which established in a grocery shop in Bolton in 1876, employs about 5,000 employees in 12 bakeries and 13 depots across the UK, and produces over two million bakery products each day.