THE relocation of a major employer in Appleby will be a "huge blow" for the area, according to local councillors.

WA Developments Ltd, the Appleby-based rail civil engineering company, announced it is to begin its relocation from its current base in the town to Carlisle as part of plans to centralise the business, which also includes haulage giant Eddie Stobart and Carlisle Airport, on one large site.

The relocation has been prompted by the rapid growth of the company's various businesses over the last five years and the owners had been seeking alternative sites both in Appleby and Penrith but these were not pursued due to planning constraints.

The company employs around 400 people, many of whom work at Appleby.

A statement issued by the company said: "While in the short term the combination of the relocation of the business and a re-organisation of the operational structure will result in some redundancies or job changes, the owners of WA Developments are forecasting significant growth in all of their businesses, which will generate considerable long-term employment opportunities in Carlisle and the wider Cumbria area."