MP upbeat over troubled car plant

The plant is to stop production for 50 days next February and March

A Wiltshire MP has expressed optimism that the Honda car plant in Swindon can survive the economic downturn.

Last Friday, bosses at the South Marston site announced plans to stop production for 50 days in February and March next year.

The company blamed a major slump in car sales, but said no redundancies were being made at this stage.

North Swindon MP Michael Wills admitted it was a difficult time for workers, but felt the situation would improve.

"They're a huge asset to the town," he said.

"Obviously they're not immune from what's happening in the world as a whole, but the company is a wonderful company, world class engineering, and they will get through this."