AN MP is demanding that Royal Mail bosses justify a controversial "streamlining" which will cost 400 jobs.

Ruth Kelly, Labour MP for Bolton West, has called on Royal Mail to come clean about their plans for staff in Westhoughton and Lostock.

Both bulk distribution depots are scheduled to be closed and the business transferred to Crewe.

A Merseyside depot will also close and the total cost to the region will be 400 fewer jobs in the long term, even though Royal Mail has pledged that no full time staff will face compulsory redundancy.

The MP said: "I have written to the management at Royal Mail asking them to make public their proposals so that these workers can be reassured.

"Any loss of jobs in Westhoughton and Lostock would be deeply felt throughout the local community so I also want a guarantee from the Royal Mail that they have explored every option open to them."

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