THE FINAL few workers at a Pontypool textile factory which once employed 8,000 people worked their last production shift today.

Sixty permanent staff and 30 contract workers, who manufactured polyester fibres at the DupontSA factory in Mamhilad, will lose their jobs when the factory closes.

John Goodman, director of the plant which once belonged to ICI and British Nylon Spinners, blamed price increases in raw materials and a reduced demand for the factory's output, in the face of Asian competitors, for the closure.

He said: "We couldn't make our products better, cheaper or more timely than we have."

Several workers will remain at the factory to dismantle the three large machines left on site.

The work is expected to take three months.

John James, 43, who has worked at the plant for many years, was today helping shut down the last machine still operating and making the surrounding area safe.

The production worker, from Oaksford, Cwmbran, said the workers have to get on with life.

"I have until the end of May so I have a bit longer here than some others," he said. "I don't think I will find it easy to get another job. But it's not just about getting a job, but getting one that pays well."

John Rosser, aged 51, of George Street, Pontypool, joined the company 18 months ago and thought he had a job to last until retirement.

The warehouseman said: "I'm not happy about it but it's out of our hands. They are a multinational company and these decisions are made in boardrooms elsewhere."

Mr Rosser is also one of the few staying on at the plant to help close it. But he too has no other job lined up.

He said: "Hopefully I will get something but there's not a lot in the Valleys."