Praise for MP’s backing for AZ (From Knutsford Guardian)

Praise for MP’s backing for AZ

8:20pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

CHESHIRE East Council’s leader has said the authority will look to create a ‘vibrant future’ for the science sector in the borough after hearing Astra Zeneca’s latest news.

Council leader Clr Michael Jones, said: “UK Plc should support AstraZeneca through its restructuring, and Cheshire East Council will work hard to ensure the future sustainability of their major centres in Alderley Park and Hurdsfield, Macclesfield.

“We will now need to accelerate our emerging plans for a new Bio Science Park and Incubator, as part of a drive to foster growth of the Life Science sector in the region and maximise the wider potential of the site for future development.

“I am very pleased to say that George Osborne, Chancellor and MP for Tatton, has fought very hard to retain a strong position for AZ in the UK, and I believe without his direct involvement the announcements today would have meant a complete closure of Alderley Park.

“I believe that with the collective efforts of the north west scientific community, life sciences business, Cheshire East Council and Government, that we can build a sustainable and vibrant future for our science sector.

“We have all the ingredients – we just need the backing and initial up-front investment from Government through a Task Force led by the Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts MP and AstraZeneca.

“We must accept, adapt and respond to these types of announcements and look to the future and the potential opportunities it may create.”