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Hope raised over BBC’s North West relocation

Peter Devine
13/12/2006

EXCLUSIVE

BUSINESS leaders in Greater Manchester have held an eleventh hour meeting to seek reassurances that the BBC is still planning a move to the area.

The meeting was arranged with the BBC's Mark Thomas, the director of the project, by Angie Robinson of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, which includes Stockport, and Laura Wolfe, of the Insitute of Directors. It comes ahead of a crucial meeting later this week of BBC governors, who could decide on the move to the area in 2010.

The move is set to impact massively on surrounding towns such as Stockport with the creation of up to 15,500 jobs.

Angie said: "When I was organising the meeting, I invited Laura to join me in putting the case forward as to why the BBC ought to relocate here.

"Mr Thomas said the two issues involved were value for money, in terms of the final deal, and affordability.

"I warned him that the BBC would be abrogating its responsibilty if it didn't come here and the business community expects the corporation to be here. We also told him we would be very disappointed if at this late stage the BBC was to welch on the deal."

Ms Robinson said towns such as Stockport would massively benefit from the move by the BBC to the area.

She added: "It's about breaking the stranglehold by the South East on broadcasting - and there will be people who will come to live in places such as Stockport and local firms who will benefit from the move.

"I was uncertain before the meeting. But after having spoken to the BBC, I now feel much more confident it will come to Salford."