ONE arm of a building firm which has operated in Taunton for over 60 years is going into liquidation, it has emerged.

Accountancy firm Albert Goodman, which handles debt management, has been called in to help C.S. Williams (Construction) Ltd enter voluntary liquidation.

However, a second arm of the firm, C.S. Williams (Taunton) Ltd, which is working on projects including the re-development of Cannington Court, remains solvent and is still trading.

David Mortimer, general manager at C.S. Williams, told the County Gazette 15 jobs could be at risk after last week’s application to enter liquidation.

He said: “It was a difficult and sad decision which reflects the state of the economy and particularly the harsh conditions of the construction industry.

“It isn’t just going on here – it’s happening elsewhere as well.”

One company which carried out work for C.S. Williams (Construction) Ltd said it fears it could be left out of pocket by the collapse of the firm.

Ron Blake, owner of Walfords Security, told the County Gazette: “We’re owed £30,000 and there will be others owed even more.”

Mr Mortimer said liquidators were dealing with any money owed by C.S. Williams (Construction) Ltd and a creditors’ meeting will take place in due course.

A spokesman for EDF Energy said it was waiting to hear if the collapse of C.S. Williams (Construction) Ltd would affect its £1.5million heritage project to re-develop Cannington Court with C.S. Williams (Taunton) Ltd.

The energy giant, which hopes to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, said it is committed to completing the Cannington project with phase two of the work due to start soon.