Jobs threat as power station closes

The crisis was sparked by a fall in electricity prices

Workers at a Cumbria power station face an uncertain future after it was forced into receivership.

Almost 50 staff at the Roosecote gas-fired station in Barrow are hoping a new buyer can be found for the plant.

Owners Lakeland Power took the decision after it lost its only supply contract.

Receivers say a number of power generation companies have expressed an interest in taking on the station as a going concern.

'Good prognosis'

The station has not produced any electricity since November 2002, when its contract with TXU Europe collapsed.

The crisis has been blamed on falling UK electricity prices.

A spokesman for receivers KPMG said: "I think there is a very good prognosis for the power station.

"I can't believe an operation that has operated so successfully is suddenly surplus to requirements."

A spokesman for Furness Enterprise, said: "We have offered the company whatever help we can to try to safeguard employment at the site."