Mayor hopes jobs can be saved at Laura Ashley

Newtown's Mayor has reacted with sadness to news that Laura Ashley, one of the town's main employer's, has gone into administration.

Cllr David Selby, a former employee of the company, said he hoped all could be done to rescue the company and save the jobs in the town.
 
“Laura Ashley as a company is the reason I am in Newtown. I moved to the area in 1988 when I started working in the Mail Order Department on the Vastre estate in Newtown.

"I worked for the company for 17 years through good and bad trading times, but the spirit of what once a family company remained. There are many families here that have a connection to Laura Ashley, who will be saddened by this news”
 
“I feel for those who currently work for the company who will be directly affected by the news, particularly when we are living in such uncertain times.  I hope and trust that some sort of solution can be found for the company to keep vital jobs in our town.”

Administrators PwC are attempting to find buyers for the company.