WORKERS in PATNA have been left to sweat over their future after bosses at a surgical plant announced plans to close either it or another one in Girvan.

Staff at Guardian Surgical plant were told last week that their jobs were under threat as the firm revealed plans to move its operations to China as a cost cutting measure.

The firm currently has two plants in Ayrshire - with another in Girvan. It is believed that either the Patna plant or Girvan plant will be axed with up to 100 jobs under threat.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, Corri Wilson, has voiced her concern at the proposed closure of one of the two Ayrshire plants.

Ms Wilson said: “I have today written to both the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and the Managing Director of Guardian Surgical, in a bid to get this decision reversed.

“Both Patna and Girvan need these jobs and it would be devastating for either community to lose them. The staff at both plants are highly skilled, and I hope to convince the company to think again on this decision.

“This is truly heart-breaking news for the workforce, who are now forced into a thirty day limbo while the company consults on the options. I have asked for an urgent meeting with them to see if there is any way we can get this decision overturned, and to emphasise the importance of supporting their staff through such a difficult time.

“I want the staff at both plants to know that I will do everything I can to safeguard their jobs.”

Doon Valley Councillor Moira Pirie added: "I'm very concerned about job losses. (Councillor) Elaine Dinwoodie and I have asked East Ayrshire Council to look into what help they can give. Obviously the impact on this ward would be very demoralising in an already depressed area."

Formerly known as BDF Healthcare, the plants in Patna and Girvan produce single use surgical textiles and sterile dental equipment for the healthcare sector.