Redcar steelworks closure confirmed after no bids received

The company that owns Redcar, Thai-based SSI UK, had an application to end its business granted by a judge at the High Court on 2 October

Liquidators took measures to try and keep the coke fires burning (PA)

Bankruptcy officials have said that the coke ovens and blast furnaces at Redcar will close after no viable offers were received from potential buyers.

Some 1700 people lost their jobs at the plant early last week, while another 500 clung on to maintain the site while it was mothballed, or kept in good condition in the hope that it might reopen.

Production had already ceased at the plant after Thai owners SSI UK announced earlier this month that the business was being wound up. The move marks the end of 170 years of steelmaking on Teesside.

The Official Receiver, Ken Beasley, said: “There is no realistic prospect of a buyer being found and the priority now is to close the ovens down safely.

“I cannot continue to draw on taxpayers’ funds to keep the ovens operational.”

Redcar’s Labour MP Anna Turley said she is ‘totally shocked and devastated’ by the news. She has accused the Government of turning its back on the plant.

She said: “I will be calling for an enquiry to look at how this could have happened.”

Thai-based SSI UK, had an application to end its business granted by a judge at the High Court on 2 October.

Liquidators took measures to try and keep the coke fires burning after the High Court decision in the knowledge that it would cost millions in damage if they were too be switched off.

Additional reporting by AP