A Cumbrian MP has set up a community task force to support the community after GSK announced the closure of its Ulverston site.
The firm is due to shut the plant in June next year and has gifted £2 million to the town as a legacy donation.
Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow and Furness, has convened the task force.
The group will co-ordinate planning around future use of the site, the breadth of options for support to staff, and agreeing next steps for the local investment of the £2m.
The first meeting of the task force concluded that the Ulverston community should be consulted on best use of the £2m donation and how it should benefit the town.
The task force said it wanted views of local people.
Submissions with thoughts on a significant standalone project that will provide education, culture, or leisure benefits for future generations of the people of Ulverston are welcomed from residents, with a deadline of Friday January 17.
Mrs Scrogham said: “I was hugely saddened by the news that GSK would be leaving Ulverston.
“Generations of Ulverston families – including my own – have worked at the site and it has truly been a central part of our community.
“I have been in long discussions with GSK to help plan the support that can be provided around their departure and have reconvened this task force to help with that.
“It is a matter of personal importance to me that a permanent legacy is left that means future generations can benefit from the work that GSK has done here over 75 years.
“I am delighted that GSK have committed to this £2m donation and GSK and the whole task force agreed that it was important that the local community should have a real say in how that money should be spent to deliver an education, culture, or leisure benefit for the town. I look forward to hearing people’s views.”
Phil Wilson, GSK site director, said: “GSK Ulverston has a proud record of delivering medicines to around two billion patients across the world over its 75-year history.
“As our operations wind down in the town next year, we’re pleased to be leaving a lasting legacy by providing a £2 million donation to the local community and we look forward to hearing your ideas for how this money can best be spent.”
A report summarising submissions will be published and used by the task force to create a shortlist of options.
A decision on the use of the funding will be made by June 2025 once work has been done to make sure proposals meet GSK governance requirements including assessing for any conflicts of interest.
Any proposals will need to be for an organisation that is eligible and reputable and has the appropriate capabilities and licences to conduct the activity. Donations are not given to individuals.
How to submit
- Send your thoughts on a significant standalone project that will provide education, culture, or leisure benefits for future generations of the people of Ulverston.
- Try to limit submission to 300 words or less.
- Include your full name and address so that you can be kept updated on progress.
Submissions can be sent via www.michellescrogham.com/gsk-ulverston-donation-share-your-views/, email Michelle.scrogham.mp@parliament.uk or by post to Michelle Scrogham MP, GSK Task Force Submissions, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
