PLASTIC bucket maker HK Plastics of Runcorn could be facing major job losses in the run up to Christmas.

The World had been tipped off that the company was closing completely on December 21 and all 40 jobs, staffed by Halton people, were to go.

However, the company has said this was incorrect.

It said it would be releasing a statement on the situation when it is ready.

The Dutch owned company is based on Hardwick Road on the Astmoor Industrial Estate.

Halton People Into Jobs, a branch of Halton Council, is to hold a meeting with staff and the senior management team.

A spokesperson for Halton Council said: "Now that we have been made aware of a potential redundancy situation at HK Plastics in Runcorn, we will be talking to the company over the next few days to establish what the situation is."

The company started warehousing in England in the 1980s, producing goods in 1988.

A factory opened in 1995, though the warehouse was destroyed in a fire in 2001.

HK Plastics manufactures all kinds of plastic pails and buckets for the industrial market. They are used mainly in animal feeds.

Around 40 people, mostly agency workers, are employed round-the-clock.