Bidder says TVR is 'prime asset'

In December just under 300 TVR workers were made redundant

A bid has been made by a UK car design company for the factory and workforce of Blackpool-based TVR sports car firm.

Melling Sports Cars, which has rock musician Rick Wakeman on its board, sees the workforce as a prime asset.

Administrators for TVR are operating a closed-bid system, choosing the one that gives the best financial return to creditors.

The outcome of the bidding process, involving Rochdale-based Melling, will be known on 23 February.

Technical director of Melling Sports Cars - Al Melling - said he will keep making the TVR cars Sagaris and Griffiths in Blackpool, as well as some of his own models.

'Nerve-wracking'

Mr Melling has strong links with TVR having designed engines for the vehicles.

If his bid is successful he believes that it would take until the summer to get production started.

Andy Robertson, T&G regional industrial organiser, who has been representing the Blackpool workforce, said the move was a boost in confidence.

"Mr Melling's bid is a welcome one which shows confidence in a workforce which has taken a fair share of blows in the last few months," he said.

"This is a nerve-wracking time.

"We will wait to see what the outcome of the administrators' process is."

He also believed a bid had been lodged by former owner Nikolai Smolenski.