Information on Loughborough

Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement

Posted on 03/03/2010
newsdesk

An action group consisting of local organisations is to meet on Friday to discuss yesterday’s (Tue) announcement by Astra Zeneca.

Charnwood Borough Council has organised the urgent meeting after the pharmaceutical firm announced it will close its operation in the town by the end of next year. This will mean a loss of nearly 1,200 jobs.

Prospect Leicestershire, Leicestershire County Council, Loughborough Chamber of Trade, Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, Loughborough Town Centre Partnership, Loughborough University, Astra Zeneca and Loughborough MP Andy Reed are being invited to discuss the announcement and the implications it has for the area.

Issues that are likely to be discussed are the economic impact of the decision, ways how staff can be supported when it comes to getting new jobs and the future of the site.

Mike Preston, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “This announcement is undoubtedly a huge blow to Loughborough and the surrounding area.

“We are moving as quickly as possible to see what we can do in terms of reducing the impact of that blow as much as possible.

“It is early days but I think it is important everyone works together to address this now.”