JOB cuts at a missile making firm in Bolton were the result of a "unique set of political and market forces," MP Ruth Kelly said.

The Bolton West MP made the comments after speaking to staff at Lostock-based MBDA yesterday.

Workers learned this week that 170 posts are to be cut over the next 12 months.

Following talks with company and union bosses, Ms Kelly, the secretary of state for communities and local government, said: "The mood here is very subdued. It is a sad day.

"But having spoken to the management, it is clear that there is a very strong commitment to both redeployment and retraining of anyone affected by the announcement, and to the future of this site.

"There were a unique set of political and market forces that have resulted in orders that were expected to come in simply not doing so, but everyone is staying optimistic about the future of anyone affected at this site."

The factory is in Ms Kelly's constituency.

Lostock, which employed 2,000 people ten years ago, will have just 270 staff remaining when the job cuts are complete.

Barry Knowles, the Amicus convenor at the site, said there was concern over its long-term future.

He added: "With the number of jobs that are going, the overheads will at least remain the same, but there will be less production. People are concerned where it will end."

Mr Knowles said that staff were bussed to the JJB Stadium in Wigan on Thursday to be told of the job losses.

He said: "There was some shock at the size of the losses, but that is tinged with relief because at one stage it was feared that the whole site could close.

"Everyone was made aware of a downturn in orders 18 months ago, and the manufacturing, customer support and services parts of the business have been affected."

Bernard Waldron, the site manager at Lostock, said: "This site is certainly viable. There are orders that will keep the site running for some years, including some that are due to go into production in 2010.

"The reasons behind this move are simply some expected orders did not materialise, and unfortunately, political circumstances beyond anyone's control played a strong part."