WORKERS who lost their jobs when a boat repair yard closed have been given fresh hope for the future.

Bosses at British Waterways have agreed to reopen discussions with trade union chiefs about the closure of the Northwich repair yard and loss of more than 20 jobs.

It is being seen as a victory for the workers, who had threatened to get the Government conciliation service ACAS involved.

The former employees of the British Waterways canal workshop in Navigation Road, which has operated for more than 100 years, had promised strong action after the doors shut for the final time last month, saying they didn't believe the closure was justified.

The workers fear the move has left British Waterways without skilled staff in Mid Cheshire.

Ron Yarwood, the Mid Cheshire branch secretary of AMICUS, travelled to Watford to meet British Waterways management and told them the union has a strong case.

He said: 'AMICUS is certain there is overwhelming evidence that the case tabled by British Waterways' management for the closure of the Northwich repair yard and the subsequent redundancy of its workforce was not well-founded.

'AMICUS further believes that it can be demonstrated that the management failed to consult in good faith and in a meaningful way over the local consequences, implications and aftermath of their closure decision.'

During the meeting AMICUS threatened to get ACAS involved and announced that it intended to launch employment tribunal appeals for the workers.

A day later British Waterways asked AMICUS to postpone any approach to ACAS to allow for the reopening of discussions, and said the contracts of workers whose appeals against redundancy had been rejected would be extended.

Mr Yarwood said: 'The factor which persuaded AMICUS to agree to the postponement was that British Waterways' most senior North West director Derek Cochrane, who for many years has been a staunch supporter of the repair yard and its services, has agreed to take over responsibility for the management side of the talks.

'AMICUS will now seek a resolution of our differences internally and look forward to making our case to a manager and his team who at least know the real value and history of the yard and its workforce.'

No one from British Waterways was available to comment as the Chronicle went to press.