Business leaders and councillors across Shropshire have spoken of the devastating loss of one of the county’s biggest employers.

A total of 530 jobs have been lost at the Wrekin Group, which owns Wrekin Construction, which went into administration yesterday.

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The loss includes 260 jobs axed in Shropshire.

Tony Randall, president of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, said: “The construction industry has taken the brunt of the recession. However, it’s always a sad day when you get local companies within Shropshire fall to this type of outside pressure. It’s tragic, it really is.”

Mayor of Shifnal Councillor Gerald Nickless said: “It’s very, very sad. It’s bad news for the town. They employ a lot of people and have always been very good to the town.

“They were going to help with the swimming pool. It’s a big shock and I feel sorry for everyone involved.

“They have been very loyal to the town and have done everything they can. It’s going to be a big blow. That is a huge number of local job losses.”

Councillor Jennifer Hurlstone, for Shifnal Town Council, said: “It’s bad news for the whole area. I should think everyone will be devastated.

“You just don’t know where or when it is going to happen next. It’s a loss of local jobs again – you just don’t know where it is going to end.”

Nick Taylor, Shropshire County Council’s assistant director for economy and strategy, said: “The council hears with great concern and sadness the news of Wrekin Construction.

“We are working with Business Link, Job Centre Plus and Advantage West Midlands together with Telford and Wrekin Council to help businesses who get into difficulties or have to make redundancies.”

Mr Taylor added: “There is quite a lot of help out there for staff of these businesses.”