Bombardier Statement
Following the
announcement that 200 staff are to be made redundant at rail
maintenance depot Bombardier, Ashford Borough Council have issued
the following statement.
Cllr Paul Clokie, Leader of Ashford Borough Council said:
“Clearly this is disappointing news for the individuals involved
and Ashford as a whole. Despite this announcement there is still a
great deal of interest in Ashford and clear signs that business
confidence in the town is growing.
“Ashford continues to attract investment and create jobs, for
example the introduction of the Hitachi maintenance depot will
bring 100 jobs, while the reopening of the Stour Centre and
completion of office space at Eureka Park have created many new
jobs. Between October 2006 and September 2007 Locate in Kent
assisted in creating 341 new jobs and retaining 103 in Ashford.
“In March next year the County Square development will generate
around another 500 jobs and of course there will be many companies
looking to take advantage of the new high-speed rail links coming
here in 2009.
“Bombardier are downsizing but have confirmed their commitment
to Ashford, and the potential is still there for staff numbers to
increase when new contracts are won.
“I am confident the developments in Ashford will have a positive
impact on our economic prosperity. They will enhance Ashford’s
reputation as a commercial business centre alongside the
redevelopment and significant investment in the town centre.
Media release 0345/07
19/10/07
This webpage was updated on
10/22/2007