A top-level Westminster meeting has failed to save long-established Keighley engineering firm Wask from closure.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer met at the Commons on Wednesday with management and unions in an effort to find an 11th-hour lifeline.

But afterwards she criticised the "intransigence" of the company, which plans to cease manufacturing at its Woodhouse Road site before the end of the year.

Crane -- which bought Wask in June -- is shifting production to a plant at Ipswich.

Mrs Cryer said: "I was extremely disappointed with the outcome of the meeting. The company would not allow room for manoeuvre on anything. We suggested various options -- the union even said members would consider taking a pay cut to keep the Keighley factory open -- but we were told that would make no difference.

"I was hoping for some movement, but despite having strong order books management have clearly made up their minds and that's it."

Crane managing director Peter Wilson said nothing new had been presented at the meeting to alter the decision.

"I understand Ann's position and she is doing her best for her constituents, but the facts do not support any change of mind. We are still in consultation with the unions."

Over 80 people employed at the factory face losing their jobs, although management say that relocation packages will be offered where possible and that some sales and product development staff will be retained in the Keighley area.

Wask began life as the family firm of Walter Slingsby and Co Ltd in 1908, and the company has occupied its present premises since 1913.