ALMOST 100 jobs have been lost after a Bridport plumbing company stopped trading.

The Dorset Echo reported on Tuesday that AP Chant, based at Gore Cross Business Park, ceased trading on Friday.

The company employed 95 members of staff. AP Chant is expected to be placed in voluntary liquidation at a meeting on Friday, January 29.

AP Chant had an annual turnover of around £12m. The company's website says it had "the largest number of Gas Safe Registered engineers in the South West".

The liquidation of AP Chant is being dealt with by Cornerstone Business Recovery.

A spokesperson said: "The company’s failure cannot be attributed to a single factor but it has certainly suffered a disappointing trading performance over recent months.

"The known causes include losses suffered by the construction arm of the business combined with a change in Government policy on the tariffs applicable to renewable energy."

Liquidator Engin Faik, a director at Cornerstone, said: “Trading has suffered in recent months and the impending liquidation is clearly deeply upsetting news for all of the company’s stakeholders, particularly its employees.

"Having been a key employer in Bridport and its surrounds for over 20 years, we are acutely aware of the impact this has had in the local community.

"We are doing all that we can to support employees through this difficult time and will work with government agencies in order to support anyone affected by redundancy.”

Another Bridport plumbing company said it will attempt to employ some of those who have lost jobs.

Guy Crabb, director of Guy Crabb Plumbing and Heating Ltd, said: "I feel extremely saddened to learn about all the people who have lost their jobs and for the negative economic effect this will cause within the local community.

"We will do our best to help meet the gap in the market and will soon be in the position to recruit some suitably qualified installers. With this in mind we would welcome any prospective job applications."