PRODUCTION of Ruddles beer is to move to Abingdon - with the prospect of new jobs being created.

But 38 posts will go when brewer Morland, which bought the rights to Ruddles seven months ago, closes the brewery in Langham, Rutland, where it is currently produced.

From September Ruddles will be produced at Morland's main brewery site in Ock Street, Abingdon, where £1.5m will be invested in upgrading manufacturing equipment to accommodate the extra work.

Mike Watts, chief executive of Abingdon-based Morland, said: "There will be a phased closure programme of the Langham site.

"We will be upgrading the Abingdon brewery, investing £1.5m, principally to provide increased fermentation capacity.

"After this the majority of our ale production will be of Old Speckled Hen and Ruddles.

"Our employees at Langham have co-operated with us throughout and we remain indebted to them for their hard work and profess- ionalism. "Support will be provided to all employees and any vacancies at Abingdon will be offered to suitably qualified candidates."

Morland spokesman Silvana Payne said there would be no great increase in jobs in Abingdon but added that some vacancies might be created.

"It is not anticipated there will be a significant increase here. There will possibly be a few jobs, though," she said.

The decision to close the Langham brewery was taken after Morland failed to negotiate a major contract-brewing agreement for the Ruddles brand.

The money invested in Abingdon will be used to buy extra vessels needed for the extra fermentation that will be required, as well as equipment ensuring different yeasts used for Abingdon's famous beer, Old Speckled Hen, and Ruddles are kept separate.

Ms Payne said Morland was determined to ensure the quality of the Ruddles brand was not affected by the move.

"That's the absolute key to all this because Ruddles has a strong consumer following."

The company hopes to be producing Ruddles in Abingdon by September.

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