Companies eyeing shipyard in Devon

A CONSORTIUM of British and international companies is circling the historic Appledore shipyard in Devon.

Three firms – one British and two foreign – are putting together an offer either for a long lease or a joint venture with the shipyard’s owner, Langham Industries.

Another six companies have expressed an interest in building vessels at the site.

The yard has been shut since March 15 when submarine builder Babcock International’s lease ran out. Babcock left Appledore, near Barnstaple, which has been a shipbuilding hub since 1855, after it failed to find enough work.

The closure put 196 jobs at risk, though around half have been relocated by Babcock.

Langham Industries boss Chris Langham, 67, said: ‘We’re doing everything to make the yard attractive to someone taking over or to an incoming operator.’