North Norfolk MP to meet with Heinz officials as petition collects more than 300 signatures

North Norfolk Labour candidate Denise Burke in North Walsham asking for members of the public to sign a petition against the closure of the Westwick Heinz factory. Town councillor David Spencer.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

The MP for North Norfolk said he was keen to speak to staff at the factory in Worstead on his visit next Friday.

And a Labour party petition to pressure Heinz to either seek another contract or sell the factory to a company willing to keep the employees has collected more than 300 signatures in one day in North Walsham.

Workers were told on Wednesday that the company's contract with William Jackson Food Group to provide frozen potato products for its Aunt Bessie's range was to come to an end in April.

Heinz said it was 'deeply disappointed' but there was not enough work to keep the factory operating.

The closure of the Westwick Heinz factory. Mark Thompson from The White Lady pub, Worstead.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

A 45-day consultation period will see the company explore alternatives to avoid or limit the impact of a potential closure.

Denise Burke, Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for North Norfolk, said the closure was another employment blow for the area.

'We have set up a petition for residents to support the workers in their fight to get Heinz to reconsider,' she said.

Union officials said it was a priority to provide support and representation to employees who faced losing their jobs.

Heinz factory at Westwick near North Walsham.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

Dave Gill, national officer for the union Usdaw, which represents most of the employees at the factory, said he was shocked by the proposal to close the factory.

Mr Gill said: 'We will explore alternatives to avoid or limit the impact of a potential closure and seek the best outcome for our members.'

Local representatives for the union will begin a consultation process on Wednesday. And while those affected most by the closure will be employees, objectors say its knock-on effects will be felt by farmers, haulage companies and contractors.

Tim Papworth, chairman of the NFU potato forum, has provided potatoes to the Heinz factory in previous years. He said: 'It is a loss for the farming industry to see a factory going down.'

Heinz said it has also been in touch with North Norfolk District Council to keep it informed.

Linda Brown, 63, of Fairview Road in North Walsham, said her granddaughter's partner worked at the factory. 'There are no jobs in this area,' she said. 'My granddaughter has a young child so I would like to see them keep it open.'

Barbara Payne, 84, of Spenser Avenue in North Walsham, worked at the site in 1948 before the factory was built. 'I was the managing director's secretary and worked there for five years. It does seem a shame it is closing. It will probably just end up derelict and a pile of rubble.'

Barbara Varney, 65, of Weavers Close in North Walsham, said: 'In this area it seems they are building more houses to accommodate more people but we are losing jobs.There is not much work around here and we will just become a commuter town.'

And 18-year-old Daniel Whiting, of Church Road in Scottow, who works in catering, said the closure would create a domino effect. He said: 'There are hardly any local jobs anyway. It will make it harder for everyone to find work.'

Have you been affected by the closure? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk