A QUESTION mark still hangs over the future of 450 engineering jobs.

But 50 employees at another company now know for certain their depot will close in a fortnight.

After a ballot on Friday workers accepted improved redundancy packages - up by around 75 per cent - at Ingersoll Rand at Hindley Green.

And at Astley, William Hare's managing director David Stansfield confirmed plans to close the Gin Pit works.

On Monday morning employees at Hare's were told the depot would shut on October 5. Mr Stansfield said the firm's other sites in Bury, Scarborough and Wetherby were safe.

He said: "We just can't survive under the world's current economic climate. The site will close on October 5. Consultation procedures are underway to see about the possibility of employees being transferred to other sites."

Mr Stansfield said he was unable to confirm whether the site would be sold, what its value was nor possible future use.

Ingersoll Rand is still considering relocating in the Czech Republic and workers have accepted renewed redundancy offers should that option be taken.

Works convenor Ian Bryant stressed no decision has been made by company bosses as to whether the Hindley Green site should remain open or close.

Working as normal

He said: "The factory is working as normal. There are no up-dates."

He refused to comment on redundancy negotiations because he said no decision has been made to close the factory but confirmed discussions have been taking place to keep Ingersoll Rand in the country.

Worried employees had been staging strikes once a month but after last week's improved redundancy offers have lifted that action.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham has been busy behind the scenes trying to secure a future for Ingersoll-Rand at Hindley Green.

Mr Burnham believes the whole issue will be decided on the strength of the financial package that can be put forward. And he has asked Trade and Industry Minister Alan Johnson to help.

He asked him : "I know this work is on-going but I would be grateful for your further personal involvement at this stage to ensure that the financial package tabled is as favourable as possible.

"I remain convinced that a combination of measures from the government and the Hindley Green workforce may be enough to tip the balance in favour of staying in the UK."

In his reply Mr Johnson said: "The Department for Trade and Industry and officials from the northwest will continue to make strenuous efforts to influence Ingersoll Rand's decision in favour of retaining the plant at Hindley Green."