WORKERS at a doomed North-East cement plant are shunning generous job offers around the country to stay and fight for survival.

Lafarge UK trawled through its national operations to identify 160 vacancies for 147 staff facing redundancy with the closure of its Blue Circle Eastgate Works, in County Durham, next summer.

But unions at the plant say only five or six have taken up the chance to move from the isolated Weardale village, despite the company's overtures.

GMB regional organiser Derek Cattell said yesterday that he was "inspired" by the solidarity shown by the Eastgate workers, who are angered by the company's refusal to enter into takeover talks with two possible buyers.

He said: "Despite generous terms for relocation, there is very little take-up. Obviously, people want to stay in their community and there is no need for the community to be destroyed by the actions of Lafarge.

"They should change their mind and enter into talks. I understand they have improved their terms and found more vacancies, but this is second best.

"What is remarkable about it is the solidarity of the people at Eastgate. Some of them are due very generous payments, but have put their own future and personal gain behind that of their community and workmates.

"It really is inspiring."

Mr Cattell and national GMB officer Alan Black hope to meet workers in the next few days.

Lafarge has set up a Job Shop at the site, offering local vacancies, and has run trips to plants at Dunbar, East Lothian, and Hope, Derbyshire.

Works manager Peter Greeno said: "Relocating is an opportunity open to all, but is not the preferred option for some of our employees and we are continuing to work in other ways to support them.