HOLLAND’S Pies has axed a clutch the jobs following a multi-million pound takeover.

The 10 roles were cut just weeks after parent company Northern Foods was acquired by tycoon Ranjit Boparan in a £342million deal.

Already Boparan, owner of Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip shops, has begun making changes at Northern, including closing the firm’s Leeds HQ and shifting staff elsewhere.

Bosses said the measures were necessary to ensure Holland’s remained competitive.

But it has led to some concern about the firm, which has been based in Blackburn Road, Baxenden, for more than 100 years.

Several years ago Northern bosses plotted to switch production to Ireland but eventually shelved the plan.

The new bosses have said there are no plans to move from the Hyndburn village.

But Terry Hurn, who represents Baxenden on Hyndburn Council, said there was concern in the community.

He said: “The news coming out of Holland’s worries me, especially given what else is happening within Northern Foods.

“These job losses are concerning and the idea of Holland’s no longer being a Lancastrian company does not bear thinking about.”

Last month, Holland’s managing director Ed Hyslop left the business amid Boparan’s corporate restructure.

It leaves the site without an overall boss, although Northern has stressed that the plant has several on-site managers who ensure things run smoothly.

The 10 axed jobs were all manufacturing roles.

Holland’s said the redundancies meant the company could remain ‘more efficient and competitive’ and only three of the 10 were axed compulsorily.

A spokesman added: “These redundancies, while regrettable, are a necessary part of ensuring Holland’s remains competitive in the marketplace.”