TOBACCO firm Rothmans has pledged to leave a legacy for the hundreds of workers who will lose their jobs at its North-East plant.

Bosses at parent company British American Tobacco (BAT) have been under pressure since announcing the Darlington plant is to close next year.

A study into the impact on the town is due to be published soon. It is thought that BAT is saving about £70m a year by shutting the plant, which employs 490 people.

The town's MP, Alan Milburn, said last night: "People in this town have worked for Rothmans and put a huge amount into that company and I believe the company owes them something.

"The decision to close the plant seems irrevocable, but I do believe the company now needs to consider how it can best compensate the workforce and the rest of Darlington."

Alasdair MacConachie, chairman of Darlington Partnership, said: "Difficult commercial decisions have to be made and they sometimes have serious consequences for individuals, families and future generations.

"We are sure that a company such as BAT is not going to just walk away from Darlington without attempting to heal the wound which its departure is about to inflict.

"They need to make sure they leave a legacy large enough to support new company growth and job-creation for several years to come."

His comments were echoed by Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams, who said: "The factory closure not only means the loss of nearly 500 jobs, it leaves a gaping hole in the regional economy and a chasm in Darlington's local economy."

With development agency One NorthEast, the council has commissioned a study into the impact of the closure on the area, which is expected to be produced this week.

The report will look at aspects of the closure, including the impact on contractors working at the factory, the impact on businesses supplying materials to the plant, and the effect of its closure on the local economy.

A council spokesman said the report would mention the impact of redundancy on at least 500 local people, who will have less spending power, and the social impact on them.

Tom Roberts, of BAT, said: "It has always been our intention to do something positive within the community.

"We have already indicated this in our discussions with the council and we have been looking forward to meeting with Alan Milburn and Councillor Williams to discuss this once consultations with employees were complete.

"We will discuss the nature of the legacy, and some of the options available to us, at that meeting."

Production at the plant is expected to stop in June, with the company leaving the Lingfield Point site by the end of next year.