LOCAL MP CONCERNED OVER CLOSURE OF LOCAL SUGAR BEET FACTORY

11.45.01am GMT Tue 11th Jul 2006

Local MP, Paul Keetch has expressed his concern over the imminent closure of the Alscott sugar beet factory in Shropshire. The factory serves over 650 growers in the West Midlands including parts of Herefordshire and produces over 770,000 tonnes of beet.

Sugar beet has numerous properties and could also used for the production of ethanol, a vital source of renewable energy in the West Midlands.

Commenting Mr Keetch said:

"The decision to close the sugar beet factory in Alscott will have a devastating affect on the whole sugar beet industry throughout the West Midlands.

"Not only will this decision influence the cost of sugar beet throughout the region but it will have a knock on affect on local farming, bio-power production and the ancillary businesses that support the industry.

"I have called on other MPs in the Marches to get behind this campaign and prevent the closure of the Alscott factory." Mr Keetch ended.