Stocksbridge residents have their say on the nationalisation of steel plant - two years since furnaces stopped
“The knowledge of speciality steels is still here - for that to go would be a fantastic loss to this country”
Stocksbridge people have given their reaction to news that Speciality Steel is to be nationalised after more than two years since the furnaces were stopped.
The long-awaited news came yesterday as the Government and South Yorkshire leaders confirmed the Stocksbridge and Rotherham sites would play a “vital role” in the future of the country’s industrial strategy.
Dennis Pinder, chairman of Stocksbridge and District Historical Society, said: “It would appear somebody has not only recognised but is believing in speciality steel.
“It’s so important - we’ve gone in Stocksbridge from 11,000 people working in Stocksbridge down to a core of about 600 people on furlough.
“Their knowledge of speciality steels is still there - for that to go would be a fantastic loss to this country, nevermind just Sheffield and this valley.
“The Government have been put in a very difficult situation but it would appear there’s some movement towards getting the works back into production - at least now it won’t be thrown to the wolves.”
Retired Stocksbridge steelworker Michael Beal said the works “keeps Stocksbridge valley alive”.
Although he preferred not to speculate on the chances of success, he added: “I’d like the works to keep on going because family work there and I’ve worked there. I hope they do make a go of it.
“I just want it to keep going. Hopefully it’ll bring a bit more employment.”