28/9/2004 - County Council surprise at Carlisle job losses

Cumbria County Council leader, Tim Stoddard has today expressed his surpise at the announcement by Cavaghan and Gray regarding the closure of its London Road site.

Councillor Stoddard said:

"The closure of the London Road site , and with it the loss of more than 600 jobs, has come as a complete surprise to the county council.

I have immediately asked the officers of the council to bring together a High-Level Taskforce involving both the county and city councils, local councillors, workforce representatives and the local MP.

We will be asking for an urgent meeting with the company to help us understand the full background to today's announcement.

At this time we must concentrate our efforts on the employees of the company who face an uncertain future. We will do all we can to work alongside others in providing support and advice at this difficult time."