THE leader of Swindon Borough Council and its cabinet member for economic prosperity reacted to the news that Honda will close its Swindon plant in two years' time.

Coun David Renard issued a statement via social media. It said: "We are clearly disappointed by today's Honda announcement that it will be closing its plant in Swindon in 2021. It has been a highly respected and valued employer in the area for over 30 years.

"I have spoken with the business secretary, Greg Clark, and the council will be working closely with the government and key partners to do everything we can to support all affected workers and their families in the weeks and months ahead, as well as the wider business community.

"We are fortunate that Swindon has a strong and growing economy and I am confident the whole area will pull together to overcome and move forward from this."

Coun Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for economic prosperity, said of Honda's decision: “It’s highly unwelcome, but we will rise above this as a town.”

He mentioned that, following previous cuts, a task force was set up to help find new employment for Honda workers, so the council and government have a template for how to deal with the impending job losses.

Honda employees make up 2.9 per cent of Swindon’s total workforce and their skills were highly prized by other firms in the town, he said.

Coun Donachie added: “We have a template for how to do this and we have the time to do it. What would have been genuinely devastating would have been had we woken up this morning and the plant had closed overnight.”

“I’m incredibly sensitive to the fact people have been given effectively a two year notice period. But we’re going to help them. We’re going to rise to the challenge. Let’s give people some hope for the future.”