East Belfast MLA Sir Reg Empey has voiced his regret at the closure of engineering firm Central Services Group.

"It is always sad to learn of job losses, wherever they occur. The closure of the Central Services Group is bad news," the Ulster Unionist Party Leader said.

"I understand, however, that a number of employees are being offered places with another locally-based company in the same line of business."

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Sir Reg said other "casualties" in this case are the numerous local contractors and self employed workers who are owed money by the Central Services Group.

"What happens to them? Will there be any money left to pay what they are owed?" he asked.

Sir Reg said there are the unanswered questions.

"But behind every closure there is more than the loss of direct jobs; there is also the loss to local suppliers and craftsmen whose plight is often forgotten," he added.

Established in 1994, Central Group Services was one of the Province's top providers of mechanical and electrical supplies.

According to its website, the firm specialised in air conditioning, boiler maintenance and heating installation.

Central Group Services carried out contracts across all sectors of the economy - commercial, industrial and domestic.

(PR/JM)