UNION bosses have admitted that attempts to keep the jobs at a factory earmarked for closure are futile'.

Baxi Heating UK's announcement to close its Padiham plant and move production to Preston could lead to 450 job losses.

Factory bosses last week rejected a union's bid offer to reduce employee wages by £1 an hour which would have saved the company more than a million pounds.

And Amicus regional officer and county councillor Terry Burns said the decision to reject the rescue package would have a devstating effect on the community.

He said: "Our problem is that the decision has already been made and I think we are going to struggle to change it.

"It's very devastating for the people of Burnley and Padiham. We never expected this.

"I am not sure there will be another offer because management have had six months to think about this.

"It is futile because its a one way track and they say we are going to close the site.

"We are disappointed with the management. We do not think they have been fair."

Union officials and factory bosses met at 1pm yesterday in an attempt to broker a deal.

The Wyre Street factory, which manufactures heating equipment and boilers, said 166 workers will be made redundant, while 240 shopfloor workers and 60 staff will be offered jobs in Preston.

Mr Burns said relocation was not a viable option for many of the employees.

He said: "We understand that people can go to Preston.

"But it puts an extra hour to get there and back and the wage will remain the same."

Burnley Borough Council is looking at the possibility of offering grants, in a bid to to help the workforce of factory.