A bridge too far for cable business

Sep 4 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

AN EXPANDING Runcorn business is under threat after a row with Halton Borough Council over the Mersey Gateway.

Specialist cable firm Ventcroft will have its premises on Astmoor Industrial Estate compulsorily purchased as they stand in the way of the proposed second Runcorn-Widnes bridge.

The company, which has grown 500% in five years and has a turnover of £15m, supports more than 50 skilled jobs which could all go.

Ventcroft boss Frank Rotheram has grown frustrated with the lack of compensation talks with the council and admits that he is now considering taking further action, by either retiring or moving the company elsewhere.

Mr Rotheram said: “I’m at an age where I could just take the money and retire, but we have 50 people here depending on this company and it is a very successful business.

“Due to the specialist nature of our business and the technical requirements in terms of machinery and installing new stuff, it would take us two years to complete a move.

“We have been in talks about a move to Wales and they are keen to have us.

“Time is running out and the council continues to drag its feet.”

Jim Malone, Ventcroft sales director, added: “Flintshire council are very keen to keep manufacturing businesses in the region, but Halton Borough Council don’t seem to care.”