CRUSHING DOUBLE JOBS BLOW FOR NORTHUMBERLAND
January 26, 2005 12:00 AM
Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North East, has expressed her shock and sadness at today's announcement of over 900 jobs lost or at risk in mid-Northumberland. The two closure announcements - of the Pfizer factory near Morpeth and Ellington Colliery - were made public within hours of each other.
Pfizer disclosed that their site near Morpeth, acquired from Pharmacier in 2003, will be put up for sale, placing 571 jobs on the line. Ellington Colliery is to close because of flooding problems, with the loss of 340 jobs.
Commenting on the closures, Ms. Hall said:
'This is a devastating blow to the people of Northumberland. The local economy will be presented with a very difficult situation, and my sympathies lie with those now facing redundancy. Nearly 900 jobs are on the line in a relatively small area, and that will have serious implications.
'I have been in close contact with Pfizer about the prospects for the Morpeth plant. It is vital that a buyer is found for the plant as soon as possible so that jobs there can be saved.
'News of the Ellington Colliery closure was to an extent expected, but the loss of the North East's last remaining deep mine at Ellington still comes as a great blow. It is the end of an era for the local community and I hope they will receive the help and support they deserve in the coming months.
'I have had discussions with Alcan this afternoon about the implications of the Ellington closure for the Lynemouth smelter. I understand that the loss of the colliery will have an impact on Alcan, but the smelter is not under threat, as Alcan's contract is with UK Coal, not just with Ellington Colliery. I will be keeping in close contact with Alcan, and I am already liasing with the European Commission in connection with the Large Combustion Plant Directive.
'Securing and replacing the Morpeth and Ellington jobs must be a top priority for government agencies in the months ahead.'
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