Shropshire brick maker Blockleys today revealed plans to scale back production at its Telford base, axing a number of posts from its 130-strong workforce.The Telford-based firm said it was making the decision in the “light of current uncertain marketing conditions”, adding the reduction in production would be “significant”.

Martin Warner, chief executive of Blockleys’ parent company, Michelmersh Brick Holdings, today also partly blamed Telford & Wrekin Council for the move, saying a housing development at the Trench Lock site which could have helped maintain the current level of production had not been approved by planners despite three years of discussions.

“We have a deal with Persimmon for the site in Telford which is designated for housing and the land has been restored ready for development,” he said.

But it is extremely frustrating that we still do not have planning permission despite employing 130 local people at a company established for more than 100 years.

“It is a time of great uncertainty and we are doing well compared to some of our competitors, but we have to cut our cloth accordingly.”

Mr Warner said the company would be carrying out a consultation exercise and final figures would be known by November.