LABOUR councillors have called for an urgent meeting with Muller managers after the news that jobs could be at risk at the firm’s Stonehouse factory.

A 45-day consultation period began on Monday as the company looks to restructure operations at the Oldends Lane plant.

Stonehouse district councillor Mattie Ross said: “Coming on top of the news SKF is to close at the end of next year with the loss of 180 jobs, it’s essential we do all we can to keep Muller in Stonehouse.

“I shall be speaking with Stroud District Council’s chief executive to set up a meeting with Muller management.

"This is so much more than just the jobs going – it will affect the whole town.”

Stroud District Council leader Doina Cornell said: “This comes off the back of other major job losses in the district.

“We really need to keep as many jobs near to people’s homes as we can, as we’re seeing more and more people having to commute out of the district for work.

“More commuting makes it harder for town centres to thrive.

“If there is anything we can do as a council to help, we will.”

It was announced last week that the company is proposing to relocate some operations at the Stonehouse plant to other sites.

The company is reviewing where it manufactures butter, potted cream and FRiji products.

Operations director for Muller Rob Hutchison said: “Costs of production at Severnside is higher than any of our other sites and this review will look at how we can best meet the needs of our customers in a manner that is much more simple and cost effective.”