A WELL-KNOWN Warrington construction firm has gone into administration.

Clovemead Limited, based on Orford Green, employs more than 50 staff and worked with numerous clients across the UK since it was set up in 1980.

Manchester firm Poppleton and Appleby were appointed administrators last week.

Among the projects to be hit was the construction of a new extension of the A&E at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

When the company’s traditional sources of business started to fall into decline, the directors approached Poppleton & Appleby for assistance in achieving a managed work-out of existing projects while seeking potential acquirers of the material parts of the business.

The company's fuel system and signage division, both of which are operated from its Widnes base, have already been sold, saving 25 jobs.

And Poppleton and Appleby is working with the former management and directors in the construction division to fulfil on-going projects.

A spokesman said this is likely to provide potential continued employment for most of the staff.

Clovemead's familiar branded red vans will continue to be seen around the UK, particularly in the north west.

Allan Cadman, joint administrator based in Poppleton & Appleby’s Manchester office, said: “We are proud to have been selected to assist such a well-regarded company in achieving such a positive outcome. Although unable to preserve all jobs, we are confident that the outcome will assure many long-serving staff of future employment and retain critical skills within the region.

“Clovemead is a good example of the kind of results that can be achieved with early intervention and a willingness to explore commercial prospects in a bespoke manner.

"This is perhaps one of the finest examples of our own specialisms, and it has been a pleasure working with the company and its other advisers and senior personnel in this exercise. We are grateful for the trust, support and commitment of all at Clovemead and their clients that we have received.”