AN ENGINEERING firm established in Sittingbourne for 30 years is to close its works there.

Kirk-Morgan Precision Engineering, based at East Street, is centralising its business at its Gillingham branch. The company has been trading in Sittingbourne since 1972. None of the staff will lose their jobs.

The decision to relocate was taken following the recent death of the company's director.

Kirk-Morgan will close if and when planning permission is given for housing development proposed by Flagfare Ltd.

Spokesman John Harris said precision engineering was "a dying game in Sittingbourne."