KEETCH COMMENTS ON FRANKLIN HODGE JOB LOSSES

2.55.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Aug 2005

Hereford MP Paul Keetch was saddened to hear of further job losses locally when news reached him of the closure of Franklin Hodge in his constituency.

Commenting Mr Keetch said, "I am so sorry to hear that Franklin Hodge is to fold with only an administrative office being retained in Hereford. I worked for Franklin Hodge in the 80's and very much enjoyed my time with the company.

"I always felt that their employees were treated fairly and when the Carter Group took over last year I was under the impression that there would be enlargement not reduction or loss of the company locally.

"This is another blow to the local economy and manufacturing generally," the MP added.