WORKERS at Westhoughton aerospace company Bellhouse Hartwell have been issued with redundancy notices.

Factory bosses yesterday announced plans to close the Leigh Road factory but said there would be a 90 day "consultation period" before a final decision was made.

The closure threat has angered Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly. She criticised the factory owners, claiming there has been a lack of consultation with the workers.

The owners of the firm say the factory is under threat because the aircraft industry has been hit so badly by the September 11 terrorist attacks.

But the 170 workers who could lose their jobs argue that the plant has an order book of £12 million and does not need to close.

One worker said: "The atmosphere in here is terrible. We feel like we've been betrayed. But we are determined to fight."

Bellhouse Hartwell, which makes and repairs aircraft parts, is owned by Midlands-based firm Hampson Industries plc.

The parent company, which expects to make pre-tax profits of £4.2 million in the current financial year, says it is thinking of introducing the changes in response to a decline in the aircraft engineering market.

It has now told the Government of its proposal to close the Westhoughton factory and to transfer work to its sister factory in Wigan.

But today the MP Ruth Kelly said: "Only a week ago we were told that these proposals were initial thoughts and that consultation with the workers would take place in advance of any decision. Since then there has been no consultation and, despite requesting that Hampson's keep me informed of developments, they have not done so."

She said she wanted an urgent meeting with Hampson's to discuss the situation. The BEN has seen a company letter that says the Westhoughton workers would be made redundant if the factory closes.

Union leaders and staff were due to meet managers to discuss the situation today. Harold Kimberley, Hampson's finance director, said: "Yesterday's announcement marked the start of a consultation process with staff.

"No final decisions have yet been made. We want to look at all available avenues and talk to staff before making a decision."