Humber wind turbine plans 'on track'

The proposed site at Hull's Alexandra Dock could see up to 10,000 jobs created

Plans to build an £80m wind turbine factory in Hull are "ongoing and on track", manufacturer Siemens has said.

An initial agreement signed by Siemens and Associated British Ports to develop a site in Hull docks ran out in July.

However the German engineering giant said negotiations were continuing.

It responded after politicians in the city called on the prime minister to ensure the factory, which would create about 10,000 jobs, goes ahead.

Siemens said: "Siemens is continuing to work constructively with our preferred bidder Association British Ports for the planned construction of our new wind turbine factory in Hull.

"The negotiations on this major investment are onoing and on track."

Siemens was attracted to the city as the site was close to the new offshore wind farm sites in the North Sea.

Labour Hull MP Diana Johnson said: "I am encouraged by the statement but of course over the recent months the discussions and development of the project has been going on.

"Of course the prime minister on Wednesday also made some encouraging noises but we actually need to get Siemens to actually sign on the bottom line and get the agreement that they are coming to Hull."