ONE of West Somerset's long established businesses has fallen victim to the recession with wholesale catering butchers C & S Warren Ltd announcing its closure.

The company, which started with a shop in Williton more than 37 years ago, had operated out of its Upcott Farm base in Bicknoller for the past 30 years.

The number of jobs lost is unclear but in a statement, owners Chris and Sara Warren said they had employed an average of 30 people, peaking at 50 in the busy times in the 1980s.

"It is with deep regret that we have to announce the closure of our business in Bicknoller," they said in the statement.

"We have had a rollercoaster ride enjoying many good times and some very difficult ones, riding out two previous recessions.

"The past two years have been particularly challenging with many customers closing their doors and the market declining at the hands of recession."

Mr and Mrs Warren said they had not reached the decision lightly: "But we feel the traditional hospitality market will take years to recover and our business will be unable to support its costs for that length of time."

They added: "We offer condolences to those who have lost their jobs and hope they will find others quickly.

"We thank all the people who have worked for us during that time, especially those few who have been with us since leaving school."

The couple also said they wanted to thank West Somerset Council and Bicknoller Parish Council for the support they had given the business throughout.

C & S Warren supplied bacon, beef, lamb, pork, poultry, game and cooked meat products, as well as a range of traditional sausages, which were all delivered to their customers.

West Somerset's MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who has a home near the Warrens' business, said he was very upset by the news:

"Chris has been such an ambassador for West Somerset. This is a real blow.

"Warren's supplied products across a wide area of the country and it has been a superb business."