Following the fire at Ocado’s Andover warehouse in February, I have been contacted by a number of constituents regarding the future of the site and the employees.
I understand Ocado has just lodged a request for planning permission with Test Valley Borough Council to allow the construction of temporary facilities in order to maintain a level of operational capacity and employment.
The plan is not enough to guarantee the long-term future of the site but Ocado have stated it would allow them the room to start working towards longer term solutions.
I have met with and am in regular contact with Ocado senior management and they have reaffirmed their commitment to the area on a number of occasions since the fire.
The Leader of Test Valley Borough, Cllr Phil North said “As a large employer in the town, Ocado is very important to Andover and we are working closely with them regarding their temporary and long term plans for operating from their site.”
I too am obviously extremely keen for Ocado to be fully operational again as soon as possible and will do all I can to help facilitate this in any way I can.