HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has vowed to fight plans to shut down a concrete plant in Huncoat with the loss of around 100 jobs.
He is set to hold crisis talks with union representatives on Monday after workers at CV Buchan, off Newhouse Road, were issued with redundancy notices.
Mr Pope said: "I want to help in any way I can. I do not want to see anyone lose their jobs."
But one worker told the Observer: "Barring a miracle, the plant is going to close around Christmas. We were told there is no more work. Everyone is gutted. Some people have worked here for more than 20 years."
A company spokesman confirmed that redundancy letters had been sent out to to the entire workforce.
He added: "We are consulting workers and the unions. The demand for the products made at the factory has declined. We are making strenuous efforts to keep the factory open and will be assessing all our options over the coming weeks."
Tom Hardacre, regional officer for the Amicus trade union, said: "There will be a series of meetings over the next four weeks.
"The management says materials are being produced cheaper on mainland Europe and it cannot compete.
"Job losses of this nature may not sound like a massive amount, but with Accrington being a relatively small area its effect will be as devastating as the Jaguar closures in the West Midlands."
Buchan's is one of the largest pre-cast concrete manufacturers in the UK and also has sites in Northwich, Cranage and Coleshill.
Huncoat councillors Brendan Shiel and Dave Parkins have described the news as "devastating." Councillor Shiel said: "It has been a landmark in Huncoat for many years. I just hope a solution can be found."
And Councillor Parkins added: "It is a terrible blow. People have got mortgages and families to support. I hope the firm will do all it can to find them alternative employment."
Mr Pope said that if all else failed he would ask the Job Centre to set up a task force to help those losing their jobs back into employment.
He said: "Unemployment in the borough is still below three per cent and, while not being complacent, I hope we can find them jobs if the worst comes to the worst."
