A BUYER has stepped in to save one of the largest and long-running firms in Trowbridge, but workers are still cautious about the factory's long-term future.

The 700 workers at Pork Farm Bowyers in Stallard Street feared for their jobs after parent company Northern Foods announced it was to sell off the factory.

Workers were told on Tuesday that London-based firm Vision Capital plans to take over running the factory and to invest in its future.

Shirley Watson, 53, has worked at the firm for 34 years. She said: "We were told to be optimistic because it is being sold as a going concern.

"People are saying they will just keep it open for a couple of years but I don't know that. I don't know anything about the firm and our jobs are safe for now."

Matthew Powell, 30, said: "We have been told all this but it depends on profit. The feeling is that if we don't make profit then our jobs will go."

Vision Capital has bought four businesses from Northern Foods for a total of £160m, including the Stallard Street firm famed for its traditional pork pies.

Chief executive Julian Marsh said: "We have acquired an interesting portfolio of businesses and we look forward to working with the management teams, investing in the business to enhance customer relations and supporting them in realising their potential."

Vision Capital has said it plans to run the factory as a going concern with no job losses in the pipeline and both management and staff will be transferred to the new owner.

Pat O'Driscoll, chief executive of Northern Foods, said: "The early completion of this process, as a single transaction to Vision Capital, is very positive for our staff and customers."

The news of the sale has been greeted with relief and enthusiasm in the town, where many feared the factory might be sold to developers.

West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison said: "I am pleased that a white knight has appeared that says it wants to run Bowyers as a going concern and invest in it.

"This is good news and I congratulate Vision Capital on their vision in investing in Trowbridge and I am sure that given the hard-working workforce at Bowyers they will be pleased with the result."

The agreement between Northern Foods and Vision Capital was reached and contracts exchanged on Tuesday.

The sale is subject to the approval of Northern Foods shareholders and is expected be completed in January.

Vision Capital is an independent investment firm which has recently moved into the own-label and branded food products market.

The name Bowyers has been associated with Trowbridge for more than 200 years. The firm began as a small shop in Fore Street and was taken over by Northern Foods in 1985.

Trowbridge mayor Cllr Tom James, who himself worked at Bowyers for six years, said: "If it can be rescued as a going concern then that is absolutely fantastic for the town and for the employees.

"One thing is for certain and that is Northern Foods are not going to keep it going so they have at least given us time. If there is a chance then this is it."

Mike Williams, chief executive of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, said: "We are very pleased to hear the news that Vision are purchasing the Northern Foods site here in Trowbridge.

"It is the end of months of uncertainty and it is good news for the town and obviously for the employees that work there."