GWENT company Brace's has opened talks to buy the closure-threatened Remploy factory in Croespenmaen.

Following yesterday's announcement, the factories in Cwmtillery and Croespenmaen will shut down as part of UK-wide closures of Remploy factories. The baker has pledged to try and buy the site, situated next to one of its three plants.

Director of Brace’s, Mark Brace, said: The Remploy factory has provided such a great service to disabled people since the initial concept was born after the Second World War and it is sad to see this local factory closing.

"However, we have previously expressed an interest in purchasing the site and approached Remploy to initiate negotiations back in 2003, before we built our new bakery at Pen-y-Fan.

"We would very much welcome the opportunity to explore options of purchasing this site. It would allow us to expand our Croespenmaen plant, which we already know has tremendous potential for us."

Brace’s has bakeries in Crumlin, Rogerstone and Croespenmaen.