TVR calls off factory relocation

TVR has negotiated a new lease at Bispham

Luxury sports car company TVR has abandoned its plans to move to a new production facility in Lancashire.

The manufacturer's move from its current Bispham base to an interim factory in Squires Gate, Blackpool, has been called off at the last minute.

The firm said it would now stay at Bispham until its permanent new home at Blackpool Business Park was up and running in 2008.

TVR said the temporary site did not meet its health and safety standards.

The lease on the Bispham site was due to run out this month and staff have been working to prepare for the move to Squires Gate for several months.

The firm said the lease had now been renegotiated - a move which has been backed by the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU).

'Hugely frustrated'

David Oxley, managing director at TVR, said the Squires Gate site initially appeared to meet health and safety requirements, before further inspections revealed a problem.

He said: "This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but the health and safety of our employees is paramount and we will not compromise it.

"We are all hugely frustrated that we could not go ahead with the move and we do sympathise with staff and others who have worked very hard to get ready.

"However, it is important that we do not allow this problem to distract us and that we keep our focus on producing our famous performance cars."

Established in 1947, TVR is Britain's largest independent sports car owner and was bought by Russian tycoon Nikolai Smolensky in 2004.