THE Government has put together a multi-million pound package to help Merseyside's Vauxhall plant win the new contract to build the new Astra.

Ellesmere Port's plant is competing with four other European sites for the lucrative deal, which would secure its future for a decade.

Last night, the borough's economic development officer admitted losing the factory would have a devastating effect on the town.

Charles Holmes told the Daily Post: "Whenever there is large-scale redundancy, it does have an impact on the local economy and we have seen a rise in our unemployment figures. “But it does not seem to have had a major effect on the town.

"I have been working with the car plant over the last six months to try to maximise their position when it comes to gaining the new Astra contract.

"The Vauxhall plant is a major part of our local economy and if it was no longer here it would have a devastating effect on the town.

"The Government has made a good package available to help make the plant ready for a new car. I don't think the other two plants bidding have had that, so it is in a good position."