By JULIA RAVENSCROFT

DEVASTATED Marks and Spencer workers have been given fresh hope with news that they might be thrown a lifeline by other call centres.

On Thursday, 686 workers at the Birchwood and Woolston centres were told that their jobs were to be axed and were sent home to take in the news.

But within hours the council's chief executive, Steven Broomhead, working with Warrington North MP Helen Jones and M & S bosses were looking at relocating between 150 and 200 workers to other call centres in town.

Mr Broomhead said: "It is a very sad and devastating decision for the workforce there. But I am meeting with the Board of Directors of Marks and Spencer and we will be taking a pro-active partnership approach to dealing with the workforce's transition."

In further meetings yesterday, Monday, there was talk of more jobs being created in Warrington, including a company considering relocating to the town employing between 500 and 1,200 people.

Mrs Jones has spoken to Department of Trade and Industry minister Patricia Hewitt, who is planning to speak with Invest UK over the possibility of attracting replacement jobs to the area. She planned to raise the issue in Parliament yesterday.

Marks and Spencer Direct announced it is rationalising its operations across the country, including the closure of its call centres and fulfilment operations at Warrington, although a final decision will not be made until May 9.

Giles Croot, spokesman for Marks and Spencer Direct, said: "We told workers on Thursday they may go home if they wished to after the briefings. No-one is being forcibly ejected as it is not a close-down."

He said they are looking at re-deploying many of the workers and at a training policy.

Clr Albert Clemow, chair of the tradelinks and enterprise panel, said: "Although we are extremely disappointed to hear of the proposed job losses the council will do all it can to offer support to those affected. Everyone involved is committed to doing their utmost to find the best solutions to this situation, including identifying alternative employment opportunities."

Speaking on behalf of the company, Keith Selwyn Bogg, Marks and Spencer director of UK retail, direct and e-commerce, said: "This difficult announcement is being made against the backdrop of an intensely competitive UK retail market. It represents part of the broader strategy to focus on the recovery of our UK retail business.

"We appreciate the swift action taken by the borough council and will be working together."

Warrington South MP Helen Southworth, who is also in talks with M & S bosses, said: "It is important that we place on record the quality of the staff at the call centre."

She said she is looking at training programmes, new jobs and re-deployment for the workers.

The plan will not affect the company's Gemini and town centre stores.