PRESTIGE pension fund members, concerned about access to their money, will have their questions answered by a union expert next week.

Around 200 of the 330 workers employed at the works when it went into receivership at the start of the year have paid into the fund, which is being wound up by trustees. GMB Union area secretary Tom Fallows says the winding up procedure could take around two years to complete, and there is concern that assets will be frozen and new payments not made to contributors retiring before that time.

He said the situation would not affect existing pensioners who would continue to be paid and last year the fund made a surplus, safeguarding all assets. "There are no worries about there being a shortfall, but there is concern about the position of people who retire before everything is wound up and their access to the fund."

Now Mr Fallows has arranged for the union's national pensions officer to go to the Burnley GMB office in Ormerod Road from 11.30--3.0 pm next Wednesday to explain the position and procedures open to pension fund members.

Members unable to attend can receive written advice from the officer, Mr Fallows added.

The Prestige factory in Colne Road is continuing to work out final orders for its kitchenware with around 100 remaining employees.

The factory will close for the last time at the start of Burnley Fair Holidays on July 4.

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