FURTHER behind-the-scenes negotiations have secured a £2m package to bolster the future of Horizon Biscuits in Moreton.

This "significant package of support" from Wirral Council and the DTI, which will further safeguard the biscuit factory recently threatened with closure, was announced last Friday.

It is hoped that the government's Regional Selective Assistance grant may even mean more jobs at the factory.

Wirral Council is also giving the company a business rate rebate for the next five years which could result in savings of £1m.

In March this year the factory's workforce voted to accept a three-year pay freeze, the scrapping of bonuses for long-term service, and a one-hour increase in the working week in return for a £12 million investment in the factory and the saving of more than 1,300 Wirral jobs.

Last Friday's announcement followed lengthy negotiations between the council, DTI and senior management within Horizon and Burton's Biscuits.

A statement from Wirral Council said: "Now, instead of possible closure, the Moreton plant will become a 'flagship' production centre within the group with, hopefully, the introduction of new products over the next few years."

Council Leader Cllr Steve Foulkes added: "A great deal of work has been undertaken by both officers and members to understand the company's situation and difficulties and to find a solution to them - and the solution we came up with enjoys all-party support. Today is a good day for us all."

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations.

"Much credit for the successful conclusion of the negotiations must go to the shop stewards at the plant. They have worked tirelessly to convince managements to invest in the Moreton site and to get the best deal they could for staff.

"I should also like to thank the local authority for the work that they have done ensuring that the company is able to gain public investment to support its growth in Moreton."