Live updates
Barricades at closed Ford factory
After more than 60 years, Southampton's Ford factory closed their doors today.
High barriers have been put outside the factory as the building has been closed for good.
500 staff were told last October that they were losing their jobs at the factory because of the closure.
Reports of Ford factory closure in Southampton
There are unconfirmed reports that Ford is planning to close its Southampton factory. An announcement by the US carmaker is expected tomorrow. The factory, which builds Ford's Transit vans, employs around 500 people.
The news comes after the company confirmed it would close its "under-utilised" factory in Genk, Belgium, resulting in 4,300 job losses.
"Ford announced its plans to end production at a major production plant in Genk, Belgium, by the end of 2014.
The plan, pending the outcome of the consultation process, could result in the transfer of the next-generation Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy to Ford’s Valencia Plant in Spain
Ford of Europe's chief executive Stephen Odell added: "The proposed restructuring of our European manufacturing operations is a fundamental part of our plan to strengthen Ford's business in Europe."
Advertisement
Maidstone cannabis factory closed down
Kent Police has closed down a cannabis factory in Maidstone. Around a 120 plants were discovered at a property on Well road in the town. The plants will be destroyed.