BURY'S Conservative Party North Western Regional Office is set to close as part of a massive money-saving shake-up at national level.

The offices, in Eric Taylor House in St Mary's Place, are threatened under a major review of party spending by the Tory's new chief executive, Asda chairman Mr Archie Norman.

Mrs Wendy Powell, one of two campaign executives at the office, said they had not been told whether the closure would go ahead.

"Obviously we would like the office to stay open and keep our jobs," she said. "But until there is some definite news, I can't really comment any further."

The party has promised there will be no "sacred cows" in the review, and the management board have broadly accepted Mr Norman's proposals. They will be discussed by the Shadow Cabinet in the next few days.

According to press reports, some 40 employees across the country would be made redundant and £1.5 million saved in the review.

The North West offices were refurbished during last year's election campaign.

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