Following the news of the failure of the sale of the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council, said on Wednesday morning that they had been in contact with the Welsh Government to help reconvene the Murco Task Force.

The high-level body was originally set up by the Welsh Government to support the refinery's parent company, Murphy Oil, to find a buyer.

The council is also liaising with other agencies, such as Job Centre Plus and Pembrokeshire College, as well as its own Futureworks/Workways teams in order to offer as much assistance as possible to the refinery employees and the supply chain companies.

Council leader, Clr. Jamie Adams, said the announcement by Murphy Oil was "devastating news" for the workforce and their families, especially as the sale of the refinery seemed to have been agreed earlier this summer.

"We will be doing everything we can to soften the blow for the individuals affected," he added.

Commenting on the collapse of a deal to save the Murco oil refinery, William Graham AM, Shadow Minister for Business, said: "My thoughts are with workers at Murco and their families as well as all those businesses who are involved in the oil refinery supply chain.

"This terrible news is a body blow for the West Wales economy and will leave thousands of highly skilled workers facing uncertainty as we approach Christmas.

"I'm sure that both the UK and Welsh Governments will wish to provide as much support as possible to the local community to support families who have lost their source of income."

Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said: "I am very upset to hear that this deal has fallen through, with devastating implications for so many Pembrokeshire families. "This dire news will leave many Pembrokeshire businesses which were involved in the supply chain with significantly reduced orders and could result in many further job losses.

"I will be doing everything I can to ensure that Pembrokeshire workers affected by this oil refinery closure will receive every possible support to enable them to find new employment."

'sad news for everyone'

Commenting on the collapse of the sale, Simon Hart MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said: "This is very sad news for everyone involved, especially given that a deal was so close to being signed. To be let down at the 11th hour must be particularly painful.

"Those who work there and their families have been living under a great stress for a long time and this is the worst possible outcome after everyone's hopes were raised. I know that our County will make every effort to help those affected by this news," added Mr. Hart.