THE Health and Safety Executive has said it has launched an investigation into one of the UK's top cider producers, based in Herefordshire.

The government agency said it was probing H Weston and Sons Limited, with the firm based in Much Marcle, near Ledbury.

The Environment Agency had also been involved, the Hereford Times understands.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said: “A HSE investigation is ongoing at H Weston and Sons Limited. No further information can be given.”

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A spokesperson for Westons Cider said that it was after a recent visit by HSE that it highlighted a "couple of improvement points" that needed addressing about onsite safety.

Immediately after the visit, Westons said it put together a senior team of people to lead the response. The spokesperson said all staff had been briefed and an action plan had been put in place.

The firm said it was "confident" that would satisfy HSE that it has taken the necessary corrective action when officers next visit in a few weeks' time.

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"At Westons, we are absolutely committed to improving our local environment at all touchpoints," the spokesperson said, with a blocked drain recently causing wastewater to run down the road.

That drain had since been unblocked and work was carried out to make sure it would not happen again.

A full survey of all drains had also been carried out to check they were fit for purpose.”

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The news came just weeks after Westons Cider said it would invest £2 million in its Herefordshire mill as it tried to keep up with growing demand.

The company said the money would enhance its fruit pressing capacity, improve energy use and reduce its carbon footprint, as part of its mission to reduce its carbon footprint.

The company, the UK's fastest-growing cider producer in 2022, also said it was one of the five largest manufacturing businesses in Herefordshire by revenue and employs more than 270 people, with 90 per cent of its apples coming from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.