THERE has been a noticeably mixed reaction, among the Ledbury business community, following news of the Brexit vote.

Some see the vote as a dent in business confidence; others have been reluctant to speak out, sensing the divided nature of the community and the country at large; while others welcome the vote as a triumph for democracy that will bring its own benefits.

Ledbury's biggest employer, Amcor Flexibles, looked to the future with a cautious degree of optimism.

A spokesman for Amcor said: " The British people’s vote to leave the EU is a decision taken by the people of the UK. At this stage it is too early and additionally not clear as to what this will mean going forward. Until such time that we have more clarity which we believe could take some time, Amcor continues with business as usual and is unable to comment or speculate on any impact, which may or may not affect our business."

But the spokesman added:" Our business and all our co-workers are used to dealing with challenge and change and we are therefore confident we will all adapt."

Galebreaker, based on the New Mills Industrial estate as a manufacturer of ventilation, weather protection and access solutions for agricultural buildings, declined to comment and gave no reason.

Cllr Annette Crowe, owner of the Past and Present jewellery shop in the Homend also declined to comment.

But she added: "It is a divisive issue, and the people who voted are customers, with half having one opinion and the other half having a different opinion".

Town councillor, Martin Eager, owner of the Homend Shopping Mall said: "I've got some empty units and I'm not sure people will have the confidence to start a business now.

"I'm hugely disappointed by the outcome of the vote. This will affect consumer confidence and everyone's spending ability. It should never have happened. It's worrying for everyone in business."

Cllr Eager added: "It was a knee-jerk decision by older people making a protest vote, and it's terribly wrong. The ramifications will be felt for many years ahead. I'm dreading what's going to happen in the next few years. Everyone now should be very worried."

But Andy Boyle of the road haulage company, ABE (Ledbury) Ltd said he had voted out.

He said: "I am one of those old-aged country bumpkins who have done the unthinkable."

My Boyle said he voted was against "unaccountable, unelected bureaucrats in Brussels and Luxembourg".

"I'm looking forward to them being out of a job," he added.

Mr Boyle, said "no ABE lorries go abroad", and he said that Brexit "might lessen the onslaught of

foreign vehicles in this country".

He added: "I'm for free trade, but it's got to be fair competition."

He said: "I think the days of the EU are numbered, because I think it's a busted flush."

Bosses at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce told the Reporter, "one thing businesses don't like" is uncertainty.

Mike Ashton, the chief executive, said: "One thing that businesses don’t like is uncertainty - but what we now have is certainty.

"From our recent polls we know our membership was split over the debate - some businesses will be pleased with the result and others will be resigned to it."

He added: "We now await further political clarity and communication from the Government about a clear timeline for the UK's exit, and answers to the many real questions businesses face."