MP DAVE WATTS held last-ditch crisis talks on Tuesday with the administrators of Ravenhead Glass to see if a buyer can be found to rescue the threatened glass site.

On Monday, workers at the 159-year old glass maker were devastated to hear that production would cease on March 24 after a proposed rescue package collapsed, with 200 job losses.

In quickly-arranged meetings at Westminister the MP for St Helens North asked the administrators how they could convince interested parties to buy Ravenhead.

"I'm doing all that I can to help the administrators find a buyer, and if we do, to try and acquire Government funding that will help with the modernisation of the site".

He added he would do everything possible to avoid what he says would be, "A personal tragedy for everyone involved with Ravenhead Glass and a massive blow to the town".

The outcome of the meeting saw the Administrators continuing the search to find a buyer and talks with interested parties are "ongoing". But the situation remains desperate and if no buyer is found a further 200 job losses will be added to the 130 that went in November.

Workers have directed their anger at Belgium owners Durobor, who the workers believe failed to support them and inform them of events. Their anger has intensified because of the suggestion that pension funds have been frozen.

One worker facing the axe told the Star: "There is a hell of a lot of anger and a hell of a lot of confusion at Ravenhead.

"There are some men who have worked here for 30 years and do not know what is happening with their pensions. One worker I know is sixty years of age and wanted to retire this year. He is now being made redundant and will not receive any pension money for at least four years".

Debbie Brannan, Regional Officer for the Union MSF, echoed workers concerns "MSF believes Durobor who own 87.5% of Ravenhead are washing their hands of the responsibility they have to their employees in St Helens.

"MSF members at Ravenhead are extremely concerned in respect of the future of their pension fund and pension arrangements. At this stage it is unclear as to whether the money they have paid into the fund will then be repaid upon retirement."