The Welsh Assembly Deputy First Minister says he is very optimistic and quite reassured after holding talks with Chevron managers at the Pembroke refinery last week.

Talking exclusively to the Western Telegraph following the hour-long meeting, Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “It was an extremely positive meeting.

“The company made it clear they regard this as a very important site especially for its location.

“They have also heavily invested in this refinery to make it as efficient as it can be.”

Mr Jones said he wanted to send the message out to the concerned workforce that talks had gone very positively and he was very optimistic over the refinery’s future.

The visit follows an announcement by Chevron in January of plans to restructure and make cuts to its global operations.

This raised fears of job losses among the 600 permanent workers and 800 contractors at the Pembroke plant.

Mr Jones has also written to the chairman and chief executive in California, offering the support of the Welsh Assembly, with the aim of securing the refinery’s future.

The company is expected to reveal more details about its restructuring plans next month.