Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham has called on the Government to act swiftly and decisively to support workers and secure future employment opportunities at the Prax site in North Lincolnshire, following the announcement that a buyer could not be found within the Government’s imposed timescales.
Cllr Waltham confirmed that, after urgent discussions with the Minister of State, he has secured a commitment to work jointly on the future of the site and to provide practical support to workers during the closure period.
“This is devastating news for the workers and families affected.” said Cllr Waltham. “Generations of local people have built their lives around this site. They have shown loyalty, commitment and hard work – but they have been badly let down, both by the business and by a Government process that failed to give enough time to find a serious buyer.”
Cllr Waltham visited the site alongside Martin Vickers MP to speak with union representatives and officials from the receivers’ office. Despite the closure, interest remains from potential investors in parts of the site, and the council is urging Government ministers to move quickly to support these opportunities and protect local jobs.
“This cannot be the end of the road for this site. There are businesses still interested – and with the right backing, we can create new employment, new investment, and a new future for this community. But that requires Government action now.”
He also raised serious concerns about the wider implications for national energy security:
“The closure of this site is not just a blow to North Lincolnshire – it raises bigger questions about the UK’s long-term fuel resilience. I am told by Government this is not a concern, but I remain sceptical. These are questions ministers must answer.”
Cllr Waltham reaffirmed the council’s full commitment to working with agencies, investors and training providers to support every worker affected:
“We are ready to act in partnership. The council will do whatever it takes to support workers through this closure and to secure new opportunities for the site. But the Government must now match that commitment with practical support and urgent investment – otherwise, they risk not only damaging this community but facing a huge bill for future site remediation if nothing is done.
“My message to ministers is clear – this site still has a future, and North Lincolnshire has the ambition for growth. Help us unlock it.”
