UNION officials were set to hold crunch talks today with bosses of a Pendle company under the threat of closure.

Representatives from the Transport and General Workers Union were meeting management at Smurfit to discuss concerns the Nelson plant's 120 workers could be laid off.

As reported in the Evening Telegraph, the company is considering the future of a number of its plants throughout Europe after a recent merger with the Kappa group.

This has lead to fears the Edward Street factory could close.

Shop convener and machine operator Martin Kelly said the union would discuss the outcome of today's talks with members at a private meeting at the Star Cycling Club, Manchester Road, tomorrow.

He said: "We are just starting the consultation process with the company and we will be holding talks with them today. Then there will be a mass meeting of members on Saturday to discuss the matter."

Ireland-based Smurfit Kappa has more than 30 plants and has been operating in Nelson for 40 years.

The firm used to own the Burnley plant which was sold off and later became Papermarc - that company folded last year with the loss of hundreds of jobs.