FINDING solutions to the closure of Llandyrnog creamery were urged at the Senedd last week.

The closure of the creamery was announced by Arla Foods in May, who will move the production of Welsh cheddar in the Taw Valley, Devon, though milk supplying the product could continue in Llandyrnog.

Responding to the announcement, Chris Ruane, MP for the Vale of Clwyd, said the closure has “blown a hole” in the Denbighshire economy with the loss of 97 jobs worth a total of £3 million.

On Thursday, June 7 the issue was raised in the Senedd by Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales AM, who said: "We know how crucial milk processing is. It creates jobs and brings value [to the economy] and has environmental benefits rather than having to transport produce from one part of the country to another to be processed.

“Growing capacity in Wales is shrinking and, in light of Brexit and what we’re facing, adding value to food has to be a clear priority.

“It is important that we not only safeguard almost 100 jobs that will be directly lost but also the wider diary sector in the north-east.”

Ken Skates, AM for Clwyd South, agreed on the importance of the food and drink industry to the Welsh economy and pledged to do his utmost to keep work at the site, mentioning the options of diversifying production or finding an alternative producer.

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, said: “My sympathies go to the affected by this disapponting decision.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs has requrested an urgent meeting with the company [Arla Foods], and our Business Wales service has made the appropriate links to support those impacted by the closure.”