THE heartbreaking news that Redcar's steelworks had gone into liquidation sent shockwaves around the town despite people knowing full well the precarious condition the industry was in.

Just over a week ago, more than a thousand people took part in a rally to show the Thai owner of the site, SSI, the strength of passion that the business should remain the core of the community.

However, the announcement has left many people in the town angry as thousands of supply workers will be affected by its closure and the loss off 1,700 jobs today (Friday) and a further 500 expected to go in the coming weeks.

Trade was brisk as the market filled the town centre with shoppers enjoying the early autumnal sunshine but the mood for many people was far from upbeat.

Market trader Brian Talbot believes that more should have been done earlier to keep the plant open.

"Everyone knew it was in trouble but I don't think anyone thought it would happen this quickly," he said. "All these people losing their jobs is going to have a knock on effect for everyone - they must still be reeling from the news."

Hope that the plant could be saved was already diminishing and the government's announcement of a package worth up to £80 million to support people who have lost their jobs, received a lukewarm reception in the town.

Brenda Coleman, a retired cleaner, thought the money would have been better used keeping the site open. She said: "It's too little, too late, if you ask me. Why wasn't this money made available before to keep these people in work, instead of finding them different jobs?"

Colin Bainbridge, who used to work as a contractor on industrial sites, including SSI, said: "The loss of the steel industry will have a huge impact on the area - thousands of people depend on it for their livelihoods and it has just been taken away from them.

"It's not just people who work there who will be affected, it will be the contractors, the cleaners, the shops and businesses in the town will feel it as well."

And office worker Chris Anderson feared for the future of the town. He said: "There isn't much work around in Redcar and people could be forced to move away to find employment, which could have a massive impact on the town. Let's hope all the people who are losing their jobs find work quickly."