A council will do ‘all it can’ to try to get employees at a roast chicken factory earmarked for closure new jobs.

The 2 Sisters Food Group factory in Haughley Park, near Stowmarket, announced proposals to close the site last week.

Up to 700 jobs could be lost if the closure goes ahead.

Bosses from the company have met with district councillor Rachel Eburne and Mid Suffolk District Council leader Derrick Haley to discuss the proposals.

Mrs Eburne said the proposal to close the factory was a terrible blow to the workers. She said: “It was a constructive meeting and we understand the company’s position and what they are saying but ultimately we need to ensure that all the people employed at the site have employment in the future.

“Mid Suffolk is going to work with them to see how to progress (their situations). We can liaise with other employers in the area and act as a facilitator to see how they match up skills and create places.

“Ultimately we need to look long term at the possibility of how the site can be used for the maximum benefit of the local population.”

Councillors in the area reacted to the news last week saying the closure would cause ‘devastation’ for the community.

A spokesman for 2 Sisters Food Group said: “The meeting with Mid Suffolk District Council was useful and productive.

“t was a good opportunity for them to see for themselves the big challenges we face on site.

“It was also a chance for us to outline the consultation process and to show the help we’re giving our colleagues during this time.

“Should we go ahead with our proposal to close the site after the consultation, we are committed to either redeploying employees at other sites or helping them find work outside the business.

Bosses at 2 Sisters Food Group have said the ‘ageing’ factory site is unsustainable to run.

A 45-day formal consultation with workers has now began.

The company also has sites elsewhere in the region, including in Thetford, Flixton, Eye and Witham.