Westbury plant gets further two weeks

Westbury will process milk for a further two weeks, while negotiations continue between the consortium of farmer-owned milk co-operatives and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the appointed receiver for United Milk plc.

In an announcement this morning, the consortium confirmed that it has secured the extension so that work can continue to protect the future of the plant.

Dairy Farmers of Britain, First Milk and Milk Link released a joint statement which says that they are continuing with the negotiations. They add, however, that there are many complex issues to overcome, including negotiations with third parties, so it is clear that more time is required.

As a result, the receiver, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, has agreed that from Saturday, 6 September, the plant will continue to take milk for a further two weeks, to allow time for the consortium and the receiver to achieve a positive outcome.