YORK MP Hugh Bayley today spoke of the "terrible blow" to workers from the closure of Thrall's wagonworks.

He urged the company to do more to help redundant employees find new jobs.

The MP was speaking during a visit to the factory in Holgate Road, which is closing down in December.

Mr Bayley was talking to workers facing redundancy and seeing the support and assistance offered to employees by Future Prospects, the organisation which helps people facing unemployment to make the most of their skills and which has set up a branch at the factory.

He was also set to meet with site manager Don Hovorth and other Thrall managers.

He said City of York Council was working hard to keep manufacturing on the site, if possible rail manufacturing.

"I have had some encouraging conversations about this," he said.

"All the same, the loss of Thrall is a terrible blow to the workforce who face a bleak Christmas. I want Thrall to do more to help them to find new jobs."

Updated: 16:00 Friday, November 01, 2002