Corus Group Plc is one of the world's largest metal producers

More than 250 jobs at the Corus plant in Workington face the axe when rail track production is switched to Scunthorpe next year.

Corus claims rail industry demands for longer sections of track can be better met at Scunthorpe.

A taskforce has pledged to redevelop the Workington site.

The Project Corus taskforce was set up after the February closure announcement to consider options for the Workington site once production transfers in 2006.

The taskforce's report recommends that a new organisation - Workington Vision - be established to drive forward the town's economic development.

New employment

It also urges that in deciding alternative uses for the site, Corus should ensure that any future development is discussed locally.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has pledged to provide resources to support the redevelopment of the site.

Bryan Gray, NWDA chairman and chair of the Project Corus, said: "The agency and its partners have been working in close partnership to examine the long-term options for the Workington site.

"The recommendations of this review will help to ensure that we focus on the actions required to find an appropriate use for the site, as well as provide opportunities for the workforce in finding new employment and training."

A spokesman for Corus said: "We welcome the report and will now be meeting as quickly as possible with our employees and trade unions at Workington as part of the consultation process."

A statement from the joint trade unions committee at the plant said: "We welcome the report and the commitment to provide funding. This is one aspect of a wider consultation and the unions will be seeking further discussion with Corus."

The Cumbria rail facility will close at the end of next year after an 18-month handover process to Scunthorpe.