NO stone is being left unturned as district and county councillors continue to help people affected by recent job losses at ATC Lasham.

Hundreds of staff were made redundant on October 2 when Nigel Morrison and Richard Lewis, of Grant Thornton UK, were appointed as administrators to the company, which consequently ceased trading.

The shock move saw 165 redundancies out of a total 216 employees at the aviation firm’s Lasham base, with 144 redundancies out of 157 employees at its Southend site.

A “significant lack” of trade and a steady loss in profits were blamed for the decision to close.

The company, an independent aircraft maintenance provider, launched in 1994 and, in the last financial year, turned over £46.6m. Even so, the administrators said that losses were incurred in that period and have continued.

They were left, they said, with no other option than to close the company and terminate contracts with the vast majority of its workforce.

“The shock news of ATC Lasham being placed in administration two weeks ago prompted an instant response from both Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council,” said Alton county councillor Andrew Joy.

“The devastating impact on the 216 employees and their families was the first concern and appropriate support action was immediately taken.”

County councillors Mark Kemp-Gee and Mr Joy and district councillor Glynis Watts have all been focused on the key issues.

“Senior officers from Hampshire County Council were in immediate touch with the administrators from Grant Thornton to explore scope to either continue the business or identify possible replacement aircraft maintenance and repair organisations,” said Mr Joy.

“In cases like this commercial confidence is a pre-requisite but with Hampshire County Council’s offer of extensive market knowledge and contacts in aerospace and technology, and close working relationship with the Department of UK Trade & Industry, no stone is being left unturned either in the UK or overseas. In cases like these, time is of the essence.

“The disrupting effect and uncertainty for the families affected remain the main concerns but those familiar with this kind of business will know that there is strong demand for advanced technical skills. That at least should give some hope for a positive outcome.”