Councillor Dave Merrett, leader of City of York Council, today (Tuesday, July 2) pledged the authority's support for employees affected by the uncertainty over the city's Thrall works and stressed the ongoing value of the original investment in the site.

In a statement issued this morning Councillor Merrett said, "The council is seeking both through its planning powers and through on-going discussions with Yorkshire Forward and the rail industry to ensure every opportunity is taken to maximise the use of this excellent rail linked manufacturing facility.

"We are also working with the company to secure alternative employment for the current Thrall employees should that be needed. We have an excellent track record over a number of years and over many previous closures and job relocations in York."

Councillor Merrett was speaking in a statement issued in response to questions raised by the council's Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Steve Galloway regarding investment in Holgate Park and the Thrall plant.

In today's statement Councillor Merrett speaks of the benefits of the investment in the site which received all-party backing at the time.

And he stressed the investment had focused on providing the right infrastructure for the site such as buildings and rail access which would remain for future use regardless of the Thrall factory's fate.

He said, "There was an all-party agreement that the council should invest £2.8m in the site as part of the Single Regeneration Budget scheme of £26.7m for the regeneration of Holgate Park of which the Thrall Europa site is only part.

"In the event some £2.4m was spent and that investment has had significant benefits supporting the overall regeneration of the Holgate Park site including bringing in CPP as a major inward investor, as well as securing a manufacturing base in the rail sector on the Thrall site.

"The council took legal advice on its powers and authority to make such payments to English Partnerships before the payments were made. The overall project delivery was monitored by a joint partnership board.

Councillor Merrett added, "I am aware that Councillor Galloway has previously raised the issue with the council's chief executive David Atkinson and, upon his return from leave, I will be asking Mr Atkinson for his views on Cllr Galloway's concerns. I am sure that David Atkinson would, as I do, welcome the District Auditor's independent views on the processes involved."

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