2 September 2010 Last updated at 05:04 ET

Boat building firm in Norfolk cuts 70 jobs

The boat building part of an historic Norfolk firm is to close with the loss of 70 jobs.

The owners of CJ Broom and Son, of Brundall, said the firm has gone insolvent after losing more than £1m due to a downturn in boat sales.

Just a few employees are staying on to finish off current orders.

The other part of the company, Broom Boats, which employs 50 people and repairs boats will continue to operate as normal.

'Sales weak'

Mark Garner, Broom chairman, said: "New Broom boat sales currently are weak.

"After several years of major boat-building losses amounting to more than a million pounds, we have had to call a halt to boat-building for the time being.

"We hope to be able to resume this part of the business in due course."

Mr Garner stressed all other parts of the Broom organisation - the marina, brokerage, repairs, refurbishment and waterside diesel - were unaffected.

Broom Boats was established in 1898 by Charles J Broom who was the grandfather of the present managing director, Martin Broom.