WORKERS have pledged to fight the proposed 100 job losses when the BP/Castrol oils plant in Ellesmere Port closes down.

The oil giant intends to shut the Stanlow site and transfer work to plants in Europe, which would then provide lubricants for the UK market.

The union Unite has led condemnation of the closure plans and will hold urgent talks with managers at the Bridges Road site on December 1.

Unite regional officer Graham Daley said: “We are shocked and saddened about the announcement.

“Our members at BP/Castrol Ellesmere Port are very angry.

“We are seeking clarity on the rationale behind this decision and an explanation as to why such a successful operation is being closed down.”

He added: “Our first concern is for our members and their families, for whom this will have come as a major blow just prior to Christmas.

“Workers at the BP/Castrol site have hit all the targets set and did not expect closure.

“This is a profitable company that intends to transfer the work to Europe. We believe a company that makes substantial profits in this country has an obligation to maintain a plant in this country.

“Unite will explore alternatives to save the last remaining BP/Castrol lubricant plant in the UK.”

BP spokesman Mark Salt said: “Over the next 10 months we propose our manufacturing operations should be transferred from Stanlow to other European plants while retaining a logistics and warehousing operation in the UK. “The proposal to close the Stanlow blending plant has been made to ensure our business remains competitive and provides the best solution for our customers today and into the future.

“We remain committed to the UK market, to providing value to our customer base.”

The plant carries out the blending and filling of Castrol GTX, GTX Magnetic and Duckhams oils.