A cookware company hs confirmed it is to close its Bicester operation with the loss of 20 jobs.

Microwise Cookware, which makes plastic containers and utensils for use in microwaves at its site in Murdock Road, is to relocate to Burnley, Lancashire.

Managing director Peter Marshall said the process will be completed by the end of June and talks were currently taking place with staff about possible relocation to other sites in the Metalrax group which owns Microwise.

He added: "We are discussing aJolternative employment options with people in the same geographical region."

Mr Marshall added that the decision had been made because of "economics".

He said: "Our business has been affected by the overall downturn in the retail trade and to some extent competition from abroad."