Budget Cuts: Four to lose jobs when Preston Vision closes in March
Preston Vision, the economic development agency for the North West city, is to make all of its employees redundant, having been unsuccessful in finding financial backing beyond early next year.
The organisation was one of many affected by public sector budget cuts, with its funding by the Northwest Regional Development Agency of £425,000 set to run out at the end of March 2011.
Founded by the University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council, the organisation is now set to close, which will see its four employees, Eliot Ward, chief executive, Marie Bintley, projects director, head of marketing Emma Blackman, and Marie Bintley, development consultant, all made redundant. ~
A statement from the organisation said: “The board agreed to retain the company structure and remain operational in order to ensure regeneration plans are still carried out by the founding partners; Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council and UCLan. Excellent work had been completed by the staff of Preston Vision and this will create a strong foundation for the future."
The statement concluded; “Although it will not have its own staff, Preston Vision, the company charged with promoting regeneration in the city, will remain operational.”
Only in June, Preston Vision laid out its strategic plans for the next ten years.