THE NEWS that the Petroplus administrators have negotiated a three-month arrangement to keep the refinery working has been welcomed by Thurrock and Essex County councils.
Both have also reiterated their commitment to working together with other partners to secure the long-term future of the Coryton refinery.
Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “The confirmation of this news from PricewaterhouseCoopers gives me increased confidence for the long-term future of the refinery.
“The fact that they have signed a three-month agreement means the administrators can now focus their attention on the refinery’s future instead of having to deal with keeping it working for a week.
“This is good news for the refinery and for Thurrock as many of the people who work at Coryton live in our borough.”
He added: “The council’s senior management has been in close liaison with the administrators and the government since Petroplus’ announcement at the start of the year.
“Those conversations will continue as the hunt for a buyer continues. Thurrock Council will do all it can to support the refinery.”
Essex County Councillor Kevin Bentley, cabinet member for Economic Development, said; “This is great news for the employees at the refinery, and for the whole of the South East.
“However it is vital that we now build on this foundation and continue our efforts to secure a long term viable future for the refinery for the sake of the local, regional and national economies.
“We are committed to working with Thurrock Council and other partners to achieving this.”
