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Kraft takeover of Cadbury's - update and invitation to a special meeting

Responses to my local consultation to get Keynsham people's views about Kraft's takeover of Cadbury's are still coming in. But the initial findings are now available here

Below I have given an update on other associated things I have been doing 'behind the scenes' in recent weeks. I have also arranged a special meeting specifically to discuss the way ahead for Keynsham and for Somerdale.

Survey findings
The full survey findings can be found here

The task must now be to shift Kraft from issuing encouraging statements to the press towards making firm guarantees about Somerdale's future. I have been pressing Keynsham's case in a number of ways direct with Kraft bosses and others over the past few weeks. For example, I had an emergency meeting in Keynsham with Kraft Directors the week the takeover bid was accepted.

Kraft's decision timescales
It has been widely reported that Kraft are saying they will take up to six months reviewing things before making decisions about the future. With the Somerdale closure schedule due to be very well advanced by then, this could be too late for Keynsham.

I have therefore been stressing that Somerdale staff, local businesses and residents want urgent clarity of Kraft's intentions. They fear that by the time a final decision is made, it may then be too late. What Somerdale needs is a 'stay of execution' allowing it to remain operational. So I am seeking a clear announcement, in order to tackle the uncertainty hanging over the town.

I have also met with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. He has agreed to further reinforce with Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld the importance of decision-making timescales.

The Fry Club
The excellent social and sporting facilities of The Fry Club have made it a key part of Keynsham's way of life for generations. In 2007, Cadbury executives assured me that they would secure the long term future of the Fry Club and its football pitches, despite their planned factory closure. Many local people have asked me about the impact of Kraft on these guarantees, so I am pressing them on this as well.

Special meeting to discuss the way ahead

I have arranged a special coffee-morning type meeting at Keynsham's Key Centre, Charlton Road (on the corner of High Street, next to the Methodist Church) on Friday 12 February from 12 noon to 1.30 p.m. to give local people an important opportunity to discuss with me Kraft's Somerdale takeover and the implications for our community.

This important meeting will help local people set the agenda for further discussions with Kraft, Government Ministers and others. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available.

Everyone is welcome. Of course many people will be unable to attend because they have other commitments, such as work or caring responsibilities. If you cannot come but want to give me your thoughts, then please get in touch

Dan Norris MP, February 2010

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