PRESSURE is mounting for a rescue package to save hundreds of jobs in a redundancy-hit part of Gwent.

Auto components firm Bosal announced last week that consultation had started on closing its Tredegar plant - the latest in a string of redundancy blows for the Gwent valleys.

Everything possible must be done to try to keep 153 jobs at Bosal, said Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law.

But Islwyn AM Brian Hancock said the area needed a rescue package for sustained development rather than individual help.

Mr Law is calling for the National Assembly's minister for economic development to enter into immediate discussions and offer full support to Bosal in a bid to keep the jobs. He plans to work with trade unions and management to try to solve the firm's difficulties and avoid closure.

Mr Law said: "It is particularly disappointing that this loyal and highly productive workforce who, in the words of the company, performed 'above expectations', should now be facing possible closure.

"I expect everything possible to be done to retain these jobs."

The area cannot contemplate losing the jobs on top of Corus' plans to close Ebbw Vale's tinplate works, said Mr Law.

News of the planned closure came just a day after GE Aircraft Engine Services, which has facilities in Blackwood, Bedwas and Nantgarw, said it was cutting 250 jobs. Islwyn AM Brian Hancock said it was an added blow for the area, which has just seen Cwmcarn factory Solectron announce 520 job cuts.

He said: "Any job in Blaenau Gwent is too much to lose, just like in Islwyn. The difficulty is, if we have a rescue package for Bosal, we need one for Solectron, and for Corus and GE Aircraft Engine Services."

Mr Hancock said the strength of the pound and balance between employment and unemployment needed to be tackled, then local companies should be helped to provide retraining and supported as they expanded, he said.

"We need a rescue package which is multi-faceted," said Mr Hancock.