Leigh MP issues message over Spinners Mill business fears

Leigh MP Jo Platt at the Leigh Spinners Mill <i>(Image: Sam Ryley)</i>
Leigh MP Jo Platt at the Leigh Spinners Mill (Image: Sam Ryley)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

THE Leigh MP has urged residents to continue supporting more than 100 independent businesses at Leigh Spinners Mill after concerns they could lose customers following the collapse of the manufacturing company.

Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said she was “extremely saddened” to hear Leigh Spinners Ltd had entered administration.

But she stressed that the historic mill itself remains open and that businesses operating from its upper floors are continuing to trade.

Leigh MP Jo Platt at the Leigh Spinners Mill (Image: Sam Ryley)

Her comments come after Leigh Spinners Ltd was placed into administration on September 24, with most of its 40 employees made redundant.

The company, which dates back to 1913, manufactured non-turf grass, non-woven sports surfaces and contract floor coverings.

A statement issued by Jo Platt said there were concerns that local businesses based within the mill could lose valuable custom if residents believed the entire site was closing.

Ms Platt said: “I am extremely saddened to hear that Leigh Spinners Ltd has entered liquidation.

“Leigh Spinners Ltd has made a significant contribution to our town over many decades and that continued contribution will be greatly missed.

“Having worked closely with the owners and employees through my time at Leigh Building Preservation Trust, including during the development of the upper floors of the mill, I have seen firsthand their dedication and commitment.

“I would like to extend my thanks and best wishes to everyone affected.”

She added: “It is important to be clear, however, that Leigh Spinners Mill, on the upper floors, remains open and is unaffected by this news.

“The mill continues to be home to more than 100 independent businesses, all of which are continuing to trade and operate as usual.”

Ms Platt described the mill as “a busy and vibrant community asset” and “an important part of our town’s heritage”.

She encouraged residents to continue supporting the businesses based there.

Leigh Spinners Mill itself also issued a statement earlier today, reassuring visitors, customers and tenants that the site and businesses operating within it remained open.

The mill said it was looking forward to welcoming visitors to its Halloween Spectacular Open Day on Saturday, October 31.

The clarification follows the administration of Leigh Spinners Ltd, with joint administrators BDO saying cashflow problems and reduced demand caused by a market downturn had affected the company's ability to trade.

Joint administrator Chris Skey said the administration was a “very sad outcome” for the long-established family business.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos