Fresh hope for former staff after sale of Uskmouth power station

The Uskmouth power station has been sold off to a group of international investors

There are fresh hopes staff could be rehired at the UK's oldest coal-fired power station after it was sold to a group of international investors.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) confirmed the sale of the non-operational power station in Uskmouth, near Newport, on Monday.

According to SSE, the new owners have interests in a wide range of mining, coal and cement production assets.

Eighty-three jobs were lost after a failed bid to secure a buyer in May.

Paul Smith, SSE's managing director of generation, said: "The new buyer has indicated, subject to their future work plans for the site, that there would be the opportunity for re-hiring former (SSE) employees."

He added: "We are hopeful the Uskmouth plant will have a viable future under its new owner, which we believe has a workable business plan and can take the asset forward."