Local jobs - Keetch voices concern as Bulmers take over is announced

11.24.43am GMT Mon 28th Apr 2003

Hereford's local Lib Dem MP Paul Keetch has voiced concern over the possibility of further job cuts in Hereford as Bulmers announce that they have recommended a take over bid from Scottish and Newcastle Brewers.

"Whilst I welcome the news that S and N have made 'certain assurances' about maintaining cider production in Hereford we must be under no illusions that this will lead to job cuts locally", said Mr Keetch.

"S and N might well keep production here and continue to use locally grown apples, but I cannot see sales, marketing, accounts and other so called Head Office functions remaining in Hereford for long."

"I will do what I can to encourage S and N to maintain production locally and I expect the local authority to do so too.

"However, this decision, on top of recently announced job cuts at Special Metals Wiggin, underlines what I have been saying for several years now, that we cannot always rely on our traditional employers to maintain the work force locally."

"We must encourage more jobs and improve local economic growth. The redevelopment of the cattle market site, with the new jobs that it would bring is now even more important. The Conservative's locally must stop using it as a political football and get behind it.

"The ASDA development at the Belmont Roundabout would bring new jobs too. It should be encouraged."

"Herefordshire cannot live in the past. We need new service jobs to replace those lost in manufacturing and food production. If we do not work to achieve these our community will stagnate."