LUCAS Aerospace are to make another 67 workers redundant at its Burnley factory - MP Peter Pike announced today.

The latest jobs bodyblow leaves a major question mark over the future of Lucas Aerospace in Burnley, which once employed thousands, even though job-saving discussions are still taking place.

Mr Pike said the latest job losses at Heasandford - leaving a workforce of less than 30 - will be phased over the period May 31 to October 31.

The Burnley MP said today that he regretted the latest announcement, having worked closely with Lucas management both locally and nationally to save jobs.

He said: "There are, however, moves to save jobs on the Heasandford site and discussions are taking place.

"It would be premature to say more and could damage discussions that are taking place with Lucas, but there are determined efforts to ensure that a future can be secured for this work and the workers in Burnley."

In July 1988 the aerospace works shed 70 jobs when it closed its natural gas bottle plant - taking the workforce to below 100 for the first time since the war.

In March the sister Lucas Body Systems plant in Burnley shed 120 of its 1,000-strong workforce following the downturn in demand in the motor trade.

No Lucas spokesman was available for comment.

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