Thank you Lord Mandelson - Ellesmere Port jobs safe, Lumberjack Song rings out

By Steve Orme on Nov 27, 09 01:45 PM

So what did the Prince of Darkness say as he wrapped is cloak about him and left for the House of Lords having visited Ellesmere Port?

Was it a threat to impale management wholesale should one Northern son of toil be denied employment and the wherewithal to purchase his rightful Friday night fish, chips and guacamole?
Perhaps he ran through a couple of verses of the Lumberjack Song by way of illustrating what life under the yoke of Canadian larch loving types might mean.
Whatever, it seems to have done the trick.
Not only have the plastic Yanks been given the bum's rush by GM but now the future of the Wirral plant is assured. Well, this week anyway.
Nick Reilly, the likeable prodigal boss of Vauxhall, has in this hour announced that Ellesmere Port will move to a three-shift system, building the Astra Sports Tourer, in 2011. As a result no jobs will be lost.
On Merseyside this is welcome, if somewhat alien, news.
Thank you, Lord Mandelson. At last the workers an sleep easy in their beds.
Well almost, except for the fear of vampires, ghoulies and their like.