Moving on after Rover collapse
ONE YEAR ON from the collapse of MG Rover, Northfield MP Richard Burden has called for a thorough regeneration programme in Longbridge area and south Birmingham to create opportunities for local people.
Administrators were called in by MG Rover on April 8 last year which signalled the end of 99 years of car production at the Longbridge firm.
The carmakers assets were sold to Nanjing Auto in July 2006 and The Standard reported last week that production of the MG TF sports car could begin at Longbridge later this year.
Mr Burden said the end of car production felt like a bereavement and had a tremendous impact on the lives of both those who worked there, as well as those who simply lived or worked nearby.
“This was nor simply a car plant, It was part of the identity of the area - everyone knows someone or has had a relative who has worked at the Austin,” he added.
He highlighted the work of the MG Rover Task Force and other agencies which has led to more than 4,000 workers returning to work.
“But for many life remains tough as many are on dramatically lower wages and are struggling to pay mortgages taken out on the assumption that they had a well paid and secure job for the future,” Mr Burden
He hoped everyone connected with MG Rover could turn the page and move on and ensure youngsters are given the skills and ambition to take up the challenges of the future.
“Car making can be a valuable part of the area’s future but none of us should allow the future of South West Birmingham to become dependent on one industry or one company in the future,” he added. Rob Georgehttp://bromsgrove.standardtoday.co.uk
ONE YEAR ON from the collapse of MG Rover, Northfield MP Richard Burden has called for a thorough regeneration programme in Longbridge area and south Birmingham to create opportunities for local people.
Administrators were called in by MG Rover on April 8 last year which signalled the end of 99 years of car production at the Longbridge firm.
The carmakers assets were sold to Nanjing Auto in July 2006 and The Standard reported last week that production of the MG TF sports car could begin at Longbridge later this year.
Mr Burden said the end of car production felt like a bereavement and had a tremendous impact on the lives of both those who worked there, as well as those who simply lived or worked nearby.
“This was nor simply a car plant, It was part of the identity of the area - everyone knows someone or has had a relative who has worked at the Austin,” he added.
He highlighted the work of the MG Rover Task Force and other agencies which has led to more than 4,000 workers returning to work.
“But for many life remains tough as many are on dramatically lower wages and are struggling to pay mortgages taken out on the assumption that they had a well paid and secure job for the future,” Mr Burden
He hoped everyone connected with MG Rover could turn the page and move on and ensure youngsters are given the skills and ambition to take up the challenges of the future.
“Car making can be a valuable part of the area’s future but none of us should allow the future of South West Birmingham to become dependent on one industry or one company in the future,” he added. Rob Georgehttp://bromsgrove.standardtoday.co.uk