A historic family-owned construction business has ceased trading after 174 years because of financial difficulties.

As many as 47 workers at Epps Construction are believed to have been summoned to a meeting at the company’s premises at the Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate to be told the grim news.

They were informed by managing director Richard Epps that the company had ceased trading that day, bringing to an end a business which has left its mark on developments in Ashford and across the south east.

Most notably the firm built the multimillion-pound Wing Visitor Centre in Capel-le-Ferne for the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, which was opened by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in July this year.

A former worker, who didn’t wish to be named, said there had been an awareness among staff the firm was struggling.

The worker said: “We were told to go in, then basically the managing director stood up and made a speech to say ‘that’s it, we’ve got no more money for the company’ and was in tears.

“He gave us all forms for redundancy through national insurance, and that was it. Obviously I’m very upset and angry about the way we were treated.

“There are people who have got mortgages and bills to pay.

“I have worked there for some years, but now I’m going to have to find another job.

“There wasn’t a piece of paper telling us what was going on, just a goodbye. Now we’re going to have to fight to get our redundancy pay. I’m now just hoping the claims we are putting in will mean we get paid some form of redundancy.”

The company employed a range of staff including carpenters, bricklayers, labourers and office staff, and it is believed workers were still working on a handful of building projects.

One of the projects which might be affected is the development of 60 homes in New Romney alongside developer Akehurst Homes.

But Mr Epps said he was not yet able to say much about the situation.

He said: “I have sought advice, and I can report, with great regret and sadness, that the advice given was to cease trading on Friday, October 23, and give a notice of intent to appoint an administrator, which was filed in court on the same day.

“It has caused a lot of pain. It reads more like an obituary than anything else.

“Circumstances all came against us all at the same time.

“It is very sad when I think about all my ancestors. An administrator will be appointed.”

• Did you work for Epps Construction, or do you remember the company’s work at sites around the town? Share your thoughts and experiences, email: kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk