THE galloping recession claimed 40 more local jobs this week as the axe fell at Lydney's car components factory, Federal Mogul.

It was no surprise. As the motor industry has stuttered world-wide, the Lydney jobs were rumoured to be under threat even before Christmas. The announcement the jobs were "at risk" came on Monday.

The losses comprise a quarter of the workforce.

A source told the Review: "This is a body blow. The factory was on course to make a profit of £1.5m so it was not a struggling business. But the bottom line is that it is governed by the order book and you only have to look at the car industry to see what is happening."

County and district councillor Alan Preest described the losses as a major blow for the Forest and town.

"Following the job losses at Woolworths and Lydney Containers you begin to wonder where it will all end," he said.

Cllr Preest said he wanted council officials to implement an urgent action plan.

He said Lydney's former Citizens Advice premises at the rear of the district council's One-Stop-Shop in Newerne Street should be immediately offered free of charge to the Employment Service enabling them to offer short term and benefit advice.

Further, the district council's regeneration and planning officers should concentrate every available resource and explore every way possible to attract new businesses.

Cllr Preest said MP Mark Harper should be asked to apply pressure nationally.

He added that granting planning consent for houses was simple, creating jobs was another matter.

"We want to see much more emphasis on the employment infrastructure," he said.