A FACTORY which has been criticised for remaining open is reassuring the community it is creating important hygiene products

Swallowfield, the KDC/One factory, based in Wellington, is still open, sparking concern for some people who claimed the business was not 'essential'.

But the government has classed the factory as 'essential' as it is working to produce hand sanitisers, body soaps and alcohol hand gels.

Concerned residents, who got in touch with your County Gazette, feared social distancing measures weren't being implemented, and that staff were being 'forced' to go to work.

The company has explained its operations, and says the safety of its employees is of 'paramount importance'.