Talks on the future of Malton Bacon Factory have resulted in assurances over 1,100 jobs.

The Mayor of Malton, Jane Ford, and Lib Dem prospectiveparliamentary candidate Howard Keal linked up for the meeting with senior management.

Their visit followed the announcement of 200 jobs cuts at the site as part of a restructuring package by parent company Vion.

The two-hour meeting resulted in assurances over the plant’s future, the news of intended large-scale investment and a commitment to offer retraining to those affected by the job losses to take up 100 new posts likely to be created by restructuring.

Mr Keal, a Norton councillor and Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Malton and Thirsk, said: “There will be pain as a result of the job losses which kick in by April, but we have been assured every avenue is being taken to reduce the damage. Up to 100 skilled new jobs are likely to be created and there will be opportunities for at least some redundant staff to retrain to fill them.”