WORKINGTON MP Mark Jenkinson has said that the proposed closure of Jenning's brewery would be a 'huge loss' to Cockermouth if it goes ahead next month.

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) announced on Tuesday, September 6 proposals to close Jennings Brewery, Cockermouth next month.

Although Mr Jenkinson did not wish to discuss the closure in detail until meeting with Calsberg Marston's, he said that it could 'not be right' that Cumberland Ale would be brewed anywhere else other than Cumberland.

The MP said: "I'm holding off commenting in detail until I've met with the company, other than to say it would be a huge loss to Cockermouth, symbolically if nothing else.

"It can not be right that Cumberland Ale is brewed anywhere but in Cumberland.

"I've enjoyed a number of brewery tours in my time, which stopped during Covid and ceased permanently earlier this year, setting this full closure in train.

"I'll be very sad to see it go if that's how it ends up."

CMBC’s logistics operation based at Jennings Brewery will continue to operate as normal while options for the site are explored, including potential for sale.

Following the closure of the brewery, Jennings Cumberland Cask ale and bottled beer brands will be produced at Marston’s Brewery in Burton.

The business said it is providing 'support to colleagues throughout this period' and is 'actively exploring opportunities for redeployment' within CMBC.