CORUS' new chief executive Tony Pedder is to be asked by Newport MP Alan Howarth to think again about closing Llanwern's sports and social club.

The move comes after Mr Pedder boasted about the company's contribution to the local community.

Mr Howarth is to challenge him to re-examine the case for keeping the club open.

Mr Howarth's call follows the Argus' high-profile campaigning to get the Anglo-Dutch firm to change its mind about selling off the site - and closing down the popular club.

Corus made reference to its contribution to local communities this week when outlining its shopping list of demands for further government tax reductions to help it cope with a further reduction in steel demand following last month's terrorist attacks.

Mr Pedder listed the tax cuts the company wants in his autumn brief which he circulated to MPs at the Commons this week.

Mr Howarth said: "It is a bit rich for the company to continue to say it has a benign involvement in the local community when it is seeking to close down the club." He is now writing to Mr Pedder asking him to reconsider.

Corus decided to cut off cash support for the club when it announced it was ending steel making.

Mr Howarth said: "It has caused resentment and ill-feeling. Now Tony Pedder has made a general declaration I shall ask him for a specific commitment."

Mr Howarth and other MPs from steel communities are to meet Mr Pedder at the Commons on November 1 to discuss the reduction in steel demand which has aroused fears of further job losses.

In its brief, Corus said the decline in UK steel demand had accelerated since the September 11 attacks.

Mr Pedder said: "There has been no time in the recent past when there has been a greater need for government to be responsive and supportive to the needs of Corus."

Mr Howarth said he was willing to look at the possibility of lobbying ministers to review the tax burden on Corus.