A MEETING held last Friday to try and save the doomed Coats Viyella factory proved unproductive and union bosses are now awaiting a second chance to argue the case for the Rainhill base which is due to close on July 12 with the loss of 386 jobs.

GMB regional industrial officer, Maureen Marston, explained: "Our meeting with Coats Viyella executive Max Playfer wasn't productive and we weren't able to reverse the decision to close the factory.

"We are not giving up, however, and we are now waiting for a meeting between union representatives, including the GMB National Secretary Des Farrell, and Bill Drummond the chairman of the clothing and textile group Coats Viyella, at which we hope the decision for closure will be reversed."

As union bosses try to save the factory on Warrington Road, Rainhill, pledges of support are still flowing in.

St Helens Council has had a letter of support over its bid to save the factory from neighbouring members of West Lancashire District Council.

At a meeting of the Lancashire authority, members discussed an emergency debate on the factory closure and unanimously agreed to write to St Helens to offer their backing and total support.

In the letter, West Lancashire chief executive Bernard Knight, said: "We are, of course, very much aware of the significant economic and social problems that can result from the sudden withdrawal of a large number of jobs.

"It must be particularly frustrating to know that in this case the problem lies not in the collapse of a particular market, but is instead driven by a desire to reduce manufacturing costs."

He offered "any assistance" for the St Helens campaign, which has received widespread publicity.

Council leader Dave Watts,who is still seeking a face-to-face meeting with the chairman of Marks & Spencers to discuss the company's pricing policies, said: "Such support on top of that received from our own community strengthens our determination to reach a successful outcome in the Coats Viyella issue and we are continuing to look at ways to see if a rescue package can be put together to secure the future of the factory."

Two prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidates Pelham Walker (St Helens North) and Mary Russell (St Helens South) have also joined forces to try and save the 386 jobs. They have written to the chairmen of both Marks & Spencer and Coats Viyella, expressing their concern and asking the companies to reconsider their policies and to look at ways of keeping the factory open and saving the jobs.

Pelham Walker, said: "We have excellent opportunities here in St Helens and I am really stunned by the decision of Coats Viyella. I hope they will reconsider.

Mary Russell, added: "This is a most unfortunate decision. I do hope that Coats Viyella and Marks and Spencer will reassess and find a way to keep the factory and jobs in St Helens."

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