A STEEL fabrication works which won the Queen's Award to Industry is set to close.

On Friday employees at William Hare Ltd's works on the border of Astley and Tyldesley were told that due to a continuing poor economic climate it proposed to close the Gin Pit depot.

About 50 employees will be affected at steel construction company's operation which is based on the extensive former colliery workshop site at Meanley Road. It is understood the first round of redundancies will begin on October 7 and the rundown process will last until next March. A company spokesman this week confirmed notice of the company's proposals had been presented to workers and said now consultation would begin with union representatives.

One employee told the Journal: "Machinery and plant is being sold and removed from the Gin Pit works and on site security has been stepped-up."

Another said: "Crane drivers and most of the mobile cranes have gone -- it's all been very secretive. The rumour is that developers want the site for housing."

William Hare closed its Bolton operation several months ago but still has depots at Bury, Scarborough and Wetherby.

Meanwhile 450 employees at the Ingersol Rand compressor manufacturing plant in Hindley Green are still pondering about the future.

Three months ago they were advised of plans to move production from the Swan Lane industrial estate to the Czech Republic on economic grounds. Next followed intense negotiations with management, union and government representatives and a plea to management from Leigh MP Andy Burnham to stay in Hindley Green.

Since being served with their notices almost three months ago employees have staged one day strikes on the last Thursday in each month. Yesterday those 90 day notices will be up and worried workers are wondering what the future holds.