KEETCH MAINTAINS PRESSURE FOR TRELLEBORG SOLUTION

12.00.00pm GMT Fri 20th Feb 2004

Paul Keetch with Trelleborg staff

Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford, is continuing to press for a successful resolution to the closure crisis facing the Trelleborg factory in Ross-on-Wye.

The MP, who has met both managers and workers at the site, has involved local Lib Dem MEP Liz Lynne in the process and is also writing to the British Embassy in Sweden, where the parent company is based.

"This is a difficult situation, and it is impossible to say at this stage whether a successful outcome can be reached," Mr Keetch said. "But I will continue to try everything I can to help keep these jobs in Ross.

"I am sure that Liz Lynne will be able to apply some pressure on the European side, and hopefully the business section of the British Embassy in Sweden will be able to press the case home directly to the parent company.

"The Ministry of Defence also procures products from the factory, and I will be contacting the Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon to appraise him of the situation.

"I know that the workforce and the union are making a powerful case, and I will do anything I can to keep the pressure up politically. It is not possible to guarantee a positive outcome to this, but the consultation period is still ongoing and I will do all I can to help the workforce put the strongest possible case, and try and secure the best possible outcome for Ross."