Wirral Council offered Burton's Foods access to a £450,000 grant to keep the factory open.

Management announced on Friday the main part of the Moreton plant is to close wth the loss of 200-plus jobs, although a refining process will continue for 60 workers.

Cllr Jeff Green, Wirral Council leader, announced on Friday: "I have made sure we have left no stone unturned in doing everything possible to attempt to save the 342 jobs at risk at the Moreton site and am very disappointed by today's news.

"We have worked closely with Unite to support them in their counter proposals and made an offer of £450,000, the maximum allowed under EU State aid limits, to the company directors towards capital costs of any project that would save these valuable jobs.

"Despite these efforts the company confirmed the closure of the plant.

"My thoughts are with all the men and women who will now lose their jobs.

"They and their families are now my absolute priority and I have instructed council officers to ensure that we do all we can to support them into new employment."

He said the 60 jobs that have been secured are welcome: "I know the whole council is committed to delivering a new future for the Moreton site, which has provided skilled jobs for so many Wirral residents for over the last 50 years and work on this will start now.”