Workers at a factory at the Restormel Estate in Lostwithiel have received the worst possible Christmas message: the business of Darley Therapy Equipment Limited has gone bust. It is one of those small firms in Devon and Cornwall of which there are hundreds which help to maintain the viability of our small historic towns such as Lostwithiel. Maybe they only employed a dozen or so people but on an individual level the closure is just as bad as that of a factory with 1000 workers closing. To compound their problems they are owed money as well as losing their livelihood.

As one who has worked in a factory which similarly closed I can empathise with them and I wish them all the best.