The loss of 43 jobs at the Border Steelwork Structures firm, which has offices in Annan and Carlisle, will be a “huge blow” to the area, according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

The cross border company, which was founded in 1978, has gone into administration and ceased trading.

The joint administrators will now market the business and assets for sale which includes plant, machinery and a workshop in Annan.

Administrators have cited unsustainable financial and cash-flow issues due to a downturn in contracts and rising operational costs for the situation.

The latest jobs blow for the Annan area has led to Colin Smyth reiterating his call for a proper economic recovery plan for the area, backed by new investment.

Colin Smyth said: “The loss of these jobs will be a huge blow to Annan and the surrounding area, and my thoughts are with everyone who worked at the firm.

“It seems like every week we’re hearing of different companies being forced to lay off staff.

“Industry across our region is facing huge challenges right now, from Brexit and the aftermath of the Covid pandemic to sky rocketing energy bills.

“Unfortunately, I fear that this won’t be the last business to look at closing down its sites and I would urge the Scottish Government and local agencies to provide as much support as possible for staff.

“This latest jobs blow for Annan, which has seen so many in recent years, from the long-term fall in employment at Chapelcross to the closure of Pinneys where the promised re-opening still hasn’t happened and most recently the announcement by Macfarlan Smith of the closure of their pharmaceutical plant in Newbie.

“I have long called for a proper economic recovery plan for the Annan area and if this latest news doesn’t prompt both our Governments to get a grip and deliver one, backed by investment in job creation, then you do wonder what will.”