MP's bid to keep vital technology at Daresbury (From This Is Cheshire)

MP's bid to keep vital technology at Daresbury

5:36pm Monday 3rd December 2007 in News By Gareth Dunning

WARRINGTON MP Helen Southworth held top level talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a bid to keep a vital piece of scientific technology at Daresbury.

The Warrington South MP also met with science minister Ian Pearson and John Denham, secretary of state for engineering, as she pressed the case for the fourth generation (4G) light source to be housed at the science site.

As previously reported, this had been put in doubt after the Research Council called for a report on the future of the technology - a move that could cast doubt on the rest of the park.

The 4G source allows scientists to see molecules in closer detail than before and scientists claim it will allow breakthroughs in cancer research technology.

Mrs Southworth said: "We have got to make sure that we have spoken to as many people as possible before funding is allocated.

"But we are only two years into a process.

I have been telling the Prime Minister that in Daresbury we have a site that uses science to attract some of the biggest names in the manufacturing industry.

Helen Southworth, MP Warrington South

"The whole point is that it is not just focused on one thing, but it is about making the most of this internationally renowned research centre.

"I have been telling the Prime Minister that in Daresbury we have a site that uses science to attract some of the biggest names in the manufacturing industry.

"The science park is full - well ahead of schedule - and they rely on the research and labs available at Daresbury.

"This is a whole package, not just about 4G."

The next funding announcement is due on Tuesday, December 11, but the MP expects more crucial decisions about the future of 4G to be made in the New Year.