Task force set up to help axed Rugeley Power Station workers

The group will primarily look to provide support for the 150 workers who are set to lose their jobs as well as explore future uses for the site.

It will be made up of representatives from Staffordshire County Council, Stoke and Staffordshire LEP, Cannock Chase District Council, Lichfield District Council, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP as well as plant owners ENGIE.

George Adamson, leader of the Cannock Chase authority, has called for the site to be redeveloped for employment purposes.

He said: "We will work together with ENGIE on the future uses for the site and it is essential that this now commences as soon as possible.

"I would hope that any future use would deliver, as a minimum, 150 jobs to replace those lost."

The plant's days were already numbered after the Government announced all coal-fired power stations without carbon capture technology would be closed by 2025 in a bid to clean up emissions.

But many expected the B station - as it is known - at Rugeley would still be running for a few more years.

ENGIE cited a 'deterioration in market conditions' for the early closure.

Councillor Adamson added: "I am extremely disappointed to hear the news that Rugeley Power Station will close this summer.

"We realise this is a very difficult time for the workforce.

"We have been in regular contact with Rugeley Power Station since the announcement of the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change proposal to close coal fired power stations by 2025, but the decision of the company to close Rugeley power station is still a shock.

"The closure inevitably raises questions about the security of energy supply at a national level also."

County Council leader Philip Atkins also expressed his shock.

He said: "News that the station is to close for business this summer will undoubtedly come as a bitter blow for the 150-strong loyal workforce and their families, many of who will have worked at the station for a number of years.

"As a county council, we have an excellent track record of attracting fresh investment and creating new jobs and our priority now will be to work with partners to help support each and every one of these employees secure future employment."