BURTON'S Foods has given a strong indication that it will proceed with plans to close its site in Moreton.

A 90-day consultation on the proposal, which would see 342 jobs axed if approved, is currently underway.

The company's management met the leader of Wirral Council, Jeff Green, on Friday to discuss the closure plan.

Councillor Green revealed that when asked if further council support would change the plan, Burton’s chief executive Ben Clarke told him he would consider that.

But in a statement today, a company spokesman said the proposal to close the Moreton factory was not made lightly, adding that it been drawn up because the site was losing money.

The statement reads: "The period of consultation with employee representatives at our Moreton site is ongoing during what we recognise is an extremely difficult time for Burton's Foods workers at the site, and their families too.

"Burton's Foods has maintained an open dialogue with unions and others in the local community since announcing its supply chain review.

"Especially given our long history at the site the proposal to close Moreton was not made lightly and the review was extremely thorough.

"The sad situation is that there have been substantial changes in the marketplace and Moreton continues to lose large sums of money despite investments by the company of £17m since 2001.

"There is a fundamental issue to address which can't just be solved by spending more money."

Councillor Green said: "I stressed to Mr Clarke the importance this factory has to the local economy and the futures of so many families.

"At a time when many employers tell me that having a skilled workforce can be one of their greatest assets, I do not believe Burton's will find a more committed, skilled and flexible workforce than has been demonstrated here at Moreton.

"As leader of the council, I want to make Wirral a place where employers want to be. The council has previously invested large sums of money to support and modernise this factory.

"Following on from my discussions with the unions, I asked Mr Clarke if further council support will change their plan and he has agreed to consider that.

"In the meantime, I have invited Angela Eagle MP to meet me later this week.

"It's important that we all work together on this issue - 342 families expect nothing less."