Countdown to factory closure
Today marks the beginning of the end for Shropshire's sugar beet industry as the landmark Allscott site opened its gates for the last ever campaign. The factory, on the outskirts of Telford, has been at Allscott in various guises since 1927.
Now, when the campaign ends in 115 days time, the industry - along with a large part of the factory - will be dismantled.
Gates were officially opened at 6.30am today, but lorries packed with the county's first beet were queuing up long before.
The closure follows British Sugar's decision to concentrate its operations in the east of England - bringing the axe down on one of its most prolific growing regions. The news on July 4 this year to close the factory came as a bolt from the blue.
British Sugar company chief Karl Carter told the Shropshire Star last month that it was time to cut their losses.
But Simon Latter, chairman of Shropshire NFU, said the impact would be far-reaching.
"Farmers, growers, contractors, hauliers and the factory staff will all be affected by British Sugar's decision to shut down the Allscott plant," he said.
"And I still think more can be done to compensate growers and contractors who have had the rug pulled from under them."
Shawbury contractor Robert Pinches said he is expecting to lose £100,000 on the re-sale price of his sugar beet equipment alone.
"Yes, the farmers and growers are in a right state, but the knock-on effects are far-reaching," he said.
"British Sugar has spent £34 million on developments at Allscott, with £12 million in the last two years. It gave the impression the industry locally was thriving."
By Farming Correspondent Nathan Rous
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