HUNDREDS of workers, still stunned by the bombshell news that their factory is to close, are to march in a massive protest and demonstration this Saturday. And they are urging other townsfolk to get in step with them and join the rally. One senior councillor slammed the shutdown move as 'scandalous', adding that it will 'devastate the local community'.

Some 386 people will lose their jobs as a result of the closure of the Coates Viyella factory in Rainhill in July this year. Their protest march will take them from the factory through to Church Square in St Helens.

St Helens Council's chief executive, Carole Hudson; council leader Dave Watts and deputy leader Mike Doyle have held crisis talks with the management of Coates Viyella, whose prime customer is Marks and Spencer.

During the meeting the council team stressed their opposition to the closure and expressed their disappointment about previous pledges on long-term commitment to the Rainhill factory and guarantees on consultation.

They expressed their anger at the possibility that work carried out at the factory will now be distributed to sites in Morocco and Mauritius, where the cost of manufacture is much cheaper.

Following the meeting Dave Watts, explained: "It was clear that the decision to close the factory was due to a policy of driving down costs. If this is indeed the case the logical conclusion is that all Marks and Spencer products now made in the UK will be made abroad, dramatically affecting jobs here.

"We have been told that 80 per cent of shirts sold in the UK are made abroad. We have now asked for a meeting with the chairman of Marks and Spencer when we will raise the issue of their current purchasing policy." But Sue Sadler, a spokeswoman for Marks and Spencer, disputed Dave Watt's claim that they were to blame for the closure and said: "Marks and Spencer don't pay the wages. The company is run by Coates Viyella who are responsible for making the decisions.

In addition, our contract will be staying within the UK as it will be transferred to a Coates Viyella factory in Northern Ireland, not Morocco or Mauritius.

"Marks and Spencer has always had a deep commitment towards the UK clothing industry and we currently purchase 78 per cent of British-made goods. As for the issue of quality, we can't afford to purchase anything that isn't in perfect condition because our whole reputation is based on selling quality clothes."

Coun Watts added: "The Council reiterates and pledges its support for the workforce of Coates Viyella. We will be assisting them in planning a demonstration against the closure, to be held in Church Square on Saturday."

The decision to close the Rainhill factory, which received an Investors in People Award in 1995, has devastated the local community. Talking about the effects it could have, deputy council leader and local Rainhill ward councillor, Mike Doyle, said: "I am extremely shocked and angry that a viable and hardworking factory should be closed at a stroke.

"The impact will be felt not only by the workforce, but also in the local economy. It will hit not only individuals, but in many cases whole families. It is a scandal if the work is to be done in Mauritius and Morocco.

"We need to use all our powers to help save this factory and we will be working closely with the unions and the workforce to this end."

Dave Watts, added: "St Helens Council is shocked by the news of these massive job losses, which follows closely on Pilkington's recent announcement of job cutbacks. To lose almost 400 jobs in Rainhill at one site with the consequent closure of the factory is devastating news, not only to those who find themselves unemployed, but also to the entire community. "What makes it an extremely bitter pill to swallow is the fact that St Helens and its partners have worked so hard and successfully in attracting new business to the town - more than 200 companies in the last year or so creating more than 2,000 jobs."

Christine Doyle, a shop steward with Coates Viyella said: "Obviously, we are all still extremely shell-shocked over the decision to close, which we had no warning about. However, morale is very high on the shop floor considering.

"This weekend's protest rally has received tremendous response from the staff, local folk and all the media and expectations are running very high now. We don't intend to give up without a fight."

The workers from Coates Viyella will start their protest march from outside the factory on Warrington Road, Rainhill, at 10.30am this Saturday (April 20) and will proceed through to St Helens, finishing at about 12 noon in Church Square. The GMB is urging its members to support the Coates Viyella workers and anyone wishing to join in on the march should contact Maureen Marston, GMB Regional Industrial Officer on 0151 263 8261.

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