Firm may shed 100 jobs if bridge approved

Apr 17 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A RUNCORN-BASED manufacturer claims that poor planning and a lack of understanding from Halton Borough Council could lead to the loss of up to 100 skilled jobs.

Ventcroft Ltd, based on Astmoor Industrial estate, will be the subject of a compulsory purchase order should the plans for the new Mersey bridge be approved.

Because of the company’s proximity to the planned entrance for the new crossing, the council will be given the automatic right to buy its land.

However, Ventcroft is now urging the council to make a final decision on whether or not this will happen, before it is too late to plan the enforced move, potentially causing the firm to close.

Sales director, Jim Malone, said: “Ventcroft management and staff fully support the plans for the bridge and appreciate the potential it brings for area regeneration and transport improvement.

“However, the problem for us regards when the council will make a commitment to underwrite the cost of relocating the company.

“The council do not seem to understand that Ventcroft is not like any other business affected by the bridge, as it will take thee years to arrange the relocation and with plans to commence building the bridge in 2010 the council needs to act fast.”

The Ventcroft boss insists that the company, which manufactures specialist safety products and fire cable, will be forced to close, unless council chiefs commit soon.

He says this would entail the loss of millions of pounds and 50 highly paid, mostly skilled jobs, as well as 50 new jobs that had been planned for the next few years.

Mr Malone added: “When the council first announced plans for the bridge it immediately blighted the value of Ventcroft’s land and buildings, meaning the company could not realise the commercial value of their assets to fund a relocation.

“Since then the council appear to have done little or no preparatory work and think that Ventcroft, like other businesses, could be upped and moved in a matter of months.

“Had the council taken action some years ago, as we suggested, the cost to relocate the company would be a fraction of the cost now.”

David Parr, Halton Borough Council's chief executive said: “We are working with Ventcroft and their advisers to find a solution that addresses the reasonable requirements of the company and enables us to progress the strategically important Mersey Gateway project.

“We are confident that with common sense on both sides we can achieve a mutually acceptable solution.”