A FACTORY is to lose more than a quarter of its workforce, striking a blow at the rural heart of Dorset.

Faccenda Holdings has announced that 90 out of 330 jobs are to go in its Okeford Fitzpaine plant which raises and processes chickens for the mass market.

Spokeswoman Marillyn Stewart said: "The company recognises the distress caused by job losses but is committed to supporting all those affected."

North Dorset District Council general manager Janet Rees said the losses caused the council "enormous regret".

"Faccenda is going to introduce new technology for the finishing part of the process at one of their sites in the north of England," she said.

"I understand that involves considerable investment and that's not going to be here. We're really concerned about the redundancies.

"Faccenda provide transport from other villages. We're back to the issue about accessibility and the problems about transport in rural areas. Faccenda represents a real opportunity for people with no cars to get to work."

Ms Rees said the Business Support Group which was developed when the creamery in Sturminster Newton closed would be working on the issue.

"We have been here before and we will build on those relationships. We will try and help people," she said.

Some villagers resented the factory because of the smell, the amount of traffic it generated and the controversial chimney that was erected a while ago, added Ms Rees.

"The chicken rearing is going to stay put so I'm not sure they are going to be any happier," she said.

Chairman of the parish council Mike Burt said Faccenda was good at consulting with the village.

"We're disappointed that the situation has arisen but we do recognise that the business has to move forward," he said.

"We're going to lose jobs locally but the factory is still going to continue and there will be jobs there. We're in close contact with the factory and will work to protect as many jobs as possible."