Travellers' camp threatens jobs

A technology company could be forced to move its contracts for work to America after travellers blocked off the entrance to its new £1 million extension, its boss has revealed today.

Jim Byrne, managing director of VA Tech in Halesfield 9, said they would take a decision in the next couple of days about sending contracts, typically worth in excess of £1 million to £1.5 million each, overseas.

He said the move would have implications for jobs in the Telford area.

The firm, which has been in the town for nearly 20 years and builds machines and supplies technology to the aerospace industry, had opened the new extension, which boosted its workforce from 55 to about 80, last week.

But staff have had to stay in a temporary home nearby after about eight caravans arrived on Thursday, blocking the entrance.

The firm has a subsidiary in the state of Ohio, which has been expanded after it was forced into a similar position a year ago when caravans set up camp near the firm.

Mr Byrne said: "We have US customers who have made mention of it. We felt sufficiently embarrassed to say we are going to do your contract in the States."

Mr Byrne said they already felt a "sense of regret" having invested in the town, but felt they were getting no support.

Telford & Wrekin Council said a notice to quit had been served on the encampment last week and the authority would be working with all parties to take further action if necessary.