CLOSING a North-East crisp factory may not be a ‘done deal’, an MP has said ahead of a meeting with business secretary Vince Cable.

Pat Glass, who represents north-west Durham, said she remains ‘optimistic’ about the future of the KP Snacks premises in Consett, County Durham.

The factory, which became famous in the 80s as the home of Phileas Fogg crisps, on Medomsley Road, has been earmarked for closure, putting 103 jobs at risk.

Ms Glass met with staff today (Monday, September 15) and is hoping to meet Mr Cable soon.

She said: “I want him to look at putting some money into the Consett factory.

“There is a viable future. There are contracts coming. It is just about keeping the Consett plant open.”

Phileas Fogg crisps were launched in the 1980s by Roger McKechnie, but the business was sold in 1993 and Phileas Fogg, a brand currently worth £15m a year, later became part of KP Snacks.

Workers have been told the company is planning to expand its operation in Billingham, on Teesside, and close the factory in Consett.

Ms Glass met with company bosses last week and has more meetings planned, but said moving to Billingham was not an option for most workers.

She said: “There have been suggestions of other jobs elsewhere but Phileas Fogg started on Medomsley Road, Consett and that is where we want it to stay.

“Ninety per cent of the staff live in Consett and they are not high paid jobs so the idea of offering them a job in Teesside is not really an option. It is unrealistic.”

Ms Glass is setting up individual surgery meetings for staff so they can discuss their options with them, but she is hopeful the brand will not have to move from its birthplace.

She said: “Phileas Fogg came out of the steelworks and it was seen as renaissance in the town.

“There are staff who have been there ever since the steelworks closed and they are passionate about the company and the people of Consett are as well.

“This is not just an individual tragedy for people who work there, it is a sadness for the whole town.

“I don’t think it is a done deal. I don’t think it is inevitable that it is closing. I have a meeting with the chief executive and he is open to options. I am always optimistic.”