Losses force closure of Redruth brewery

The historic Redruth Brewery in Cornwall closed this week, with the loss of 26 jobs. The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is throwing its weight behind proposals to keep production on the site, which has been used for brewing since 1742. Camra fears the brewery, which produced Steam Brewed Bitter and Cornish Rebellion and had an annual production of around 150,000 barrels, could be sold for housing. Camra spokesman Mike Benner said: "We understand there has been interest shown by parties intending to keep the brewery going and Camra will support any such venture. "Too many of the UK's famous old breweries are being chewed up by developers and lost forever. "We encourage the administrators to consider the views of the local community, plans to regenerate the local economy and the history of the brewery and give preference to any offer which will result in a brewing future for the site." Redruth was acquired by the Hong Kong-based Sino-Cornwall Group in 1995. Administration proceedings started in January this year, with administrators Begbies Traynor citing substantial losses as the reason. Ian Walker, Begbies Traynor partner, said: "The brewery had suffered extensive losses. We are in discusssions about how to dispose of the property." He said he had been approached over continuing brewing on the site, but there had also been interest from property developers and "all options were open".