THE trade union representing workers at a Newport steel plant which went into administration said the business has attracted interest from more than 30 potential buyers.

Members of Community met the First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones at the Welsh Assembly government office in Cardiff on Wednesday to discuss the progress towards saving Alphasteel.

Jenny Smith, Community Regional Director for South Wales, said the union understood there has been around 35 expressions of interest in the steel plant.

Lance Miles, 38, of Thornbury Park, Newport, a former crane driver at Alphasteel said: "It sounds promising, if somebody comes on and takes it we'll all get back to work. We'll have to see what happens."

Alphasteel, based in Corporation Road, was put into administration on December 21 when approximately 320 of the 350 staff were given letters informing them of their immediate redundancy.

Since going into administration, a skeleton staff of around 30 people have continued to work at the plant to carry out necessary maintenance.

Miss Smith added that the Welsh Assembly were offering to meet wth any prospective buyers to provide any help or assistance they could to help secure a future for the plant.

She said said: "It was a supportive, helpful opportunity for us to talk to the First Minister. He said they would do anything they can within European law to help."

Community has also written to Begbies Traynor, the receivers for Alphasteel, requesting a meeting to discuss to progress made in seeking a buyer and the interest they have received.