Ford has warned that development plans for land in Liverpool could endanger the viability of a distribution site linked to almost 200 jobs.

Liverpool Council is being recommended to approve a £30m 14-acre brownfield development in Speke which its developer claims will create 325 jobs and pump £5.5m into the city’s economy.

However Ford sub-leases land on the proposed site from ANSA Logistics to store up to 4,000 vehicles transported there by the neighbouring freight railway.

In a joint letter with the union Unite, Ford warned the jobs of 188 workers linked to the site could be endangered if the scheme is allowed, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Through solicitors Cushman and Wakefield, the carmaker told the council: “Ford has categorically established there is no other suitable, affordable rail-connected site able to support the current operation locally.

"Closure of this site as a distribution centre for Ford would result in a move away from the North West for this operation, and the loss to the area of skilled employment as a result.”

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/11/24/plans-to-build-a-30m-leisure-complex-in-speke-set-for-approval-100252-29832508/