Workington MP Sue Hayman has called an emergency meeting for retired British Steel workers to discuss changes to their pensions.

It comes after British Steel organised roadshows throughout the country to explain the changes to retired workers, but failed to hold one in Cumbria.

The Pensions Regulator last month approved a proposal from Tata Steel UK, which bought Corus – formerly known as British Steel – in 2007, to separate from the British Steel Pensions Scheme (BSPS).

The scheme’s 130,000 members will be invited to transfer to a new scheme, which would have lower future annual increases. Alternatively, they can move into the Pension Protection Fund, which would see them lose annual inflation increases on service before 1997.

The bid was made by Tata to make the steel firm more financially secure.

Mrs Hayman said: "It is a disgrace that the British Steel Pensions Scheme can treat its members in this way.

"They are holding roadshows and information events in Teesside, Motherwell, Sheffield, Walsall and other places, but nothing within 100 miles of Workington.

"I met with the scheme trustees and the trade unions only last week to discuss the pension changes and I was told there would be roadshows that would be easily accessible to all. I am writing to the chair of trustees, Allan Johnston, to ask for an event in Cumbria so that my constituents are not disadvantaged.

"In the meantime, I have organised a meeting for next Friday in Workington so that BSPS members can at least discuss the issue together and with their trade unions."

She is urging members to attend the event at the Carnegie Theatre on Friday, October 27 at 4.30pm.

Alan Smith, leader of Allerdale council, will also attend the meeting.

He said: "Members of the British Steel Pension Scheme are currently facing changes to the terms and conditions. To help them a number of events are being organised around the country. As Leader of Allerdale Borough Council and an ex-steelworker with 36 years’ service I am unhappy with the way this is being arranged.

"I feel the British Steel Pension Scheme is really short-changing the members from West Cumbria. We’re all being asked to make important decisions about the future of our pensions, yet they can’t even be bothered to hold an information event in our area. There may be a telephone advice line, but my colleagues who have devoted many years great service to this company, deserve to get proper advice in their local area. At the moment, they face having to go to Middlesbrough or Glasgow which for many is a trek too far. On behalf of all local members, I’ve written to the chairman of the trustees and will be working with the local Labour MP Sue Hayman who is backing my campaign."

But Tom Whitehead, secretary of the county's association for retired steelworkers, said members were all sent booklets which clearly explained the changes and were also given a helpline to contact a pension expert.

He said: "It will be interesting to see what Sue Hayman is going to tell people that they don't already know."