Manor Bakery Closure is a Blow for Local Economy and Break with History

10.48.20am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 20th May 2004

Hampshire MEP and Eastleigh prospective parliamentary candidate Chris Huhne said today that the planned closure of the Manor Bakeries site in Eastleigh by the end of 2005 was a blow to the local economy and a break with a long and successful history of baking in the borough.

'The loss of 423 permanent jobs at the Eastleigh bakery in Leigh Road is not only a blow to the local economy but also a sad rupture in the important connections between the town and the firm' said Mr Huhne.

Mr Huhne, an economist by background, said that the direct job losses would be aggravated by job losses in local businesses supplying Manor Bakeries and its staff even though the administrative office at Mitchell House in Southampton Road would remain open.

'At a time when many other manufacturing businesses are also feeling the pinch due to higher costs and a strong exchange rate, this is a very regrettable development for the local economy. It underlines how right it has been for the Lib Dem-controlled borough to highlight its award-winning economic development work in an attempt to diversify the jobs base of Eastleigh' said Mr Huhne.

Mr Huhne pointed out that one of the company's most famous brands - Mr Kipling's cakes - is said to have taken its name from the nearby Kipling Road. 'The Eastleigh bakery has been a leader in its field since it was built by the Price family in 1937. The closure of the bakery will be a sad end to a proud local tradition'.