THE last shifts at Scarborough bus and coach plant Plaxtons began today before a huge restructuring under which 550 workers have lost their jobs.

In early May, bosses announced the factory would close entirely with the whole 750-strong workforce being made redundant.

But after a series of top-level meetings between management and unions, the plant was saved.

It will now become a "centre of excellence for coachbuilding" known as New Plaxton and employing a workforce of 200.

Neil Beresford, managing director, said the factory was closing today until August 13, when the new operation will start.

He said: "Remodelling of the plant will begin later in the summer and it will be ready to start building coaches towards the end of October."

Updated: 11:18 Friday, July 27, 2001