MORE than 200 jobs are to be lost at Burton's Foods in Moreton.

The biscuit-maker in Pasture Road will close on December 2, with the loss of 219 jobs.

The bombshell has been described as "devastating" by Wallasey MP Angela Eagle, who has fought to try to keep the factory open.

However, after months of negotiations between trade union Unite and Burton's management, it has been agreed the chocolate refining unit will remain at the site securing 60 jobs.

Ms Eagle said the news will be devastating for Moreton: "Generations of local families have been employed at Burton’s.

"For them and for me, this is an extremely sad day.

"Burton’s staff who fought so hard to save their jobs will be devastated.

"The company was presented with a viable plan to protect most of the jobs. I'm angry that they’ve chosen to ignore it.

"On three previous occasions we fought successfully to save jobs at Burton’s.

"This time, despite all our efforts and the backing of the entire community, we have failed to convince the factory’s bosses.

"While I welcome the decision to retain the chocolate refinery, which will leave around 45 jobs on site, it is heartbreaking that the 60-year tradition of biscuit-making in Moreton will now come to an end.

"And at a time when the area is already suffering with unacceptable levels unemployment, the loss of 300 jobs here is a further blow."

She added: "We will now have to deal with the aftermath.

"I guarantee to do all I can to help the people losing their jobs and call on the government to do what it can to support the workforce by helping them to secure suitable employment elsewhere."

Unite regional officer Ritchie James said: "We believe we got the best possible outcome for our members in terms of sustainable jobs and enhanced terms for those being made redundant.

"The chocolate refinery, and some 60 jobs that would have otherwise have been lost, will be kept on the Moreton site.

"The plan to invest £2.8m into the plant will future-proof job security for as long as can reasonably be expected.

"However, it is disappointing and upsetting we have not succeeded in saving the whole site and the 219 jobs that will be lost."

A Burton's spokesman said: "Having worked closely with Unite, the company can now confirm a plan based on the union's proposal to maintain the chocolate refining operation at Moreton with the retention of up to 51 jobs.

"The union proposal to retain a seasonal assortment packing operation however has been rejected as commercially unviable."