Locals back gigafactory bid

NEWS that a Chinese firm could build the UK’S biggest gigafactory in Coventry has been mostly positively received by locals due to its huge potential to create jobs.

It has been reported that EVE Energy, a huge battery firm, is on the brink of putting in billions to the project at Coventry Airport.

It has been said that “advanced negotiations” are in progress to build a plant at the site, creating thousands of jobs. Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, said that details of talks with ‘a number’ of global battery companies have to stay under wraps for now.

The prospect of the Chinese company being the front-runner has left residents with mixed feelings. But a lot of readers have welcomed the investment into the city as well as job opportunities.

Dan Large posted: “Great for employment in the local area,” while Sam Smyth posted: “Better paid jobs,” and Cathy Wood said: “Excellent news.”

ijg1 wrote: “Nice one. About time Cov had some good news,” and mellythewiseone18 replied: “I agree with that sentiment, as we already rely on the Japanese for our car industry it will be nice for Coventry to regain its stance. Just got to bar any trade union involvement to make it a success.”

But there are some sceptics. Amy Rowe wrote: “No no, just no! Leave Coventry Airport alone.”

Keith Kondakor was sceptical of the timing of news emerging about the talks, with elections just around the corner.

Others raised eyebrows about the proposed investment into the facility and whether it would be subsidised with government funding.

The project has already given a £35m boost to get it off the ground.

The funding, which is through the West Midlands Investment Zone (WMIZ), will see an initial sum spent on highways and infrastructure works around the site to make sure it is ready for construction.