A GROUP of men who have worked together for more than 30 years have this week gone their separate ways after being made redundant.

Between them Frank Nelmes, Tony Vowles and John Sansun had worked at Quartzite Quarry at Cromhall for more than 130 years. Tony and Frank were the second generation to quarry in Cromhall after following in their fathers’ footsteps.

Cemex, which owns the quarry, officially closed it today, although the remaining staff finished their last shift on Friday.

Mr Nelmes, who started at the quarry in 1960 straight from school, said: "It was very strange on the last day suddenly realising that this was it at the end of the shift. We stood for ages just talking and looking at each other. Then we shook each other's hand and went our separate ways."

He said: "We have been friends for life. We were all born in Tytherington, went to school together, lived in Tytherington, we were hoping to retire together next year when we all turn 65 but instead we have been made redundant together.

"We will all be going to the Job Centre together now, something I have never done in my life before."

The Quartzite Quarry opened in the 1930s and is one of the only places in the country where the hard stone is quarried. Quartzite is very expensive but it is used in road construction and as a decorative stone.

Reminiscing about their time at the quarry, the men said they had seen many changes in the industry.

"Back when I started the vehicles carried no more than two tonne, but by the end we were driving 40 tonners.

"An improvement over the years has been the health and safety aspect. We never used to have helmets and gloves but certainly those changes have been to the benefit of the us the workers," said Mr Nelmes.

As well as working together the men often meet at weekends to watch local football team Tytherington Rocks play. This is a tradition the men hope to continue so they stay in touch.

A spokesman for CEMEX confirmed the site was being mothballed.

He said: "The operation at the site is no longer viable due to planning permission expiring at the end of 2009 and the rapid deterioration in demand for building materials during the current economic downturn.

"As a result the site has been mothballed and consultation is taking place with four colleagues."