Wansbeck MP

Ian Lavery column: Alcan's importance not to be ignored

Posted by The Journal on Aug 24, 11 11:00 AM in Wansbeck MP

The importance of the Rio Tinto Alcan smelter and power station to its employees and their families and to the economy of Wansbeck and South East Northumberland cannot be overestimated.

It is no secret that Rio Tinto are conducting a wide ranging review and considering all the options open to them, and this has caused considerable speculation over its future.
During the last few months I have raised the importance of the smelter and the power station with ministers and on the floor of the House of Commons.

I have also had discussions with both management and the trades unions and they are aware that I will do anything I can to try and secure the future of the smelter and power station.

To that end I travelled to London last week to meet with someone who has expressed an interest in purchasing the smelter. I will continue to do all I can to secure the future of the power station and the smelter.

On Thursday I visited JT Dove Ltd in Ashington to meet with the branch manager and his team to learn how their business has and is being affected by the recession and to discuss the value of builders and allied trades in creating and capturing local jobs and growth. We discussed a number of issues including the Green Deal and also the need for a VAT reduction to help revitalise building repair, maintenance and improvement works. I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the staff and listen to their views and thoughts.

On Thursday afternoon I had a meeting with the local police to discuss a range of issues relating to policing in Ashington. This is one of many regular meetings that I have with police throughout the constituency regarding the policing of all our communities across Wansbeck.

On Friday I attended an event in Morpeth to celebrate the 25th birthday of Contact (Morpeth Mental Health Group). Contact was established in 1986 and they have continually evolved to meet the changing needs of people using their services.

Contact are considered as unique in Northumberland and the success of Contact is as a direct result of a dedicated and hardworking team of staff and volunteers. Contact offer support and social contact to those experiencing mental health issues, and their carers.

In my opinion everyone associated with Contact over the last 25 years should be congratulated, they have done an excellent job in encouraging and assisting people to access opportunities in the community.

Well done and here's to the next 25 years!

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk