Ten jobs go as glazing firm goes bust

Hastings and Folkestone Glass, which had a shop in Wickham Avenue (pictured), announced its closure to staff last Wednesday after an emergency board meeting.

Stunned workers were told to collect their belongings and leave immediately. Redundancy was not discussed.

Chartered accountants McCabe, Ford and Williams moved in to manage the firm's debts before a meeting with creditors on March 18.

Nick Coulter, corporate insolvency manager for the accountants, said customers' deposits would be covered by the Glass and Glazing Federation. He added that redundancy pay would be dealt with by the Government.

The closure of the business, which had been running as a limited company since 1963, also sees the loss of 20 jobs in Folkestone.

One worker, who had been with the firm six years, said: "We didn't know anything about it but now I don't know what I am going to do.

"Nothing has been said about redundancy. I've got a mortgage and two kids. I will try to get another job but there isn't much around at the moment."

Mr Coulter said it is his task to assist shareholders and creditors over the difficult weeks ahead.

He said: "The directors made the decision that the company should be wound up last week and all the staff were informed.

"It is hoped deposits up to 3,000 will be covered under the Glass and Glazing Federation and redundancy claims will be dealt with by the Department of Trade and Industry."

A spokesman for the Glass and Glazing Federation said: "We have received notification that Hastings and Folkestone Glass went into liquidation last week.

"Customers should note that their deposits are protected by the Glass and Glazing Federation's Deposit Indemnity Scheme. For further information they should contact Michael Helm at the GGF on 020 7403 7177."

The owner of Croft Glass, Mark Gardiner, said he has already taken on one Hastings Glass worker and he will examine whether any other vacancies are available.