COUNCILLORS spoke of their disappointment yesterday after it was revealed 70 jobs are to go at Burton's Foods' chocolate biscuit factory in Llantarnam.

Cllr Paul Williams, who represents the ward, used to work at the factory and said the news will not just impact on the Cwmbran area but also Pontypool and the Valleys area, due to its 734-strong workforce.

He described the company decision, made to make it more competitive and reduce costs, as a "sad loss" of jobs at such a major employee in Gwent.

Cllr Williams worked on the production line in the 1990s, making Burton's famous biscuits such as Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels.

He believes 2011 will mark the 75th year biscuits have been produced at the factory.

"The only hope we have got now is they are investing in the plant to hopefully secure biscuit making in Cwmbran," Cllr Williams said.

It was announced on Wednesday they will invest £7 million in new machinery and processes in its plants in Llantarnam and Edinburgh.

Cllr Maria Graham, also for the Llantarnam ward, said she will be raising the job loss issue with Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for economy and transport, the company and the unions.

She said her thoughts are with the workers who will lose their jobs at the factory, which she says is a vital part of the community.

"It is crucial Burtons has a strong future in Llantarnam," she added.

Factory general manager Ben Arnold said on Wednesday it has not yet been decided who will lose their jobs from the workforce.