Robert Fletcher has closed its Stoneclough mill at Radcliffe, Manchester, which produces woodfree bible and printing papers, resulting in the loss of nearly 150 jobs.


It is particularly grim news for the Radcliffe area, which was hit with 250 job losses when the East Lancashire paper mill closed its doors in March.


"Production ceased on 18 May, with a skeleton staff of seven left at the site," said personnel manager Gordon Wray.


Robert Fletcher has transferred 22 staff to its Greenfield mill in Oldham, but a decision has yet to be taken on the future of the Stoneclough site and the mills assets.


Due to increasing energy costs and the strength of sterling, the firm transferred some production late last year from Stonecloughs 17,000-tonne capacity printings and writing paper plant to Greenfield.