MICK Bates AM has accused the Welsh Assembly Government of ‘dropping the ball’ over a Newtown firm’s decision to relocate.
Two weeks ago technology firm Siemens announced that 40 jobs at its Newtown office would be relocated.
The company has since revealed that it will be setting up a new renewables site in Manchester.
Mr Bates has questioned why the Assembly Government did not lobby to persuade the firm to set up in Mid Wales.
He said: “After the disappointing news last week that 40 jobs are set to go as Siemens plans to close its factory in Newtown, I am shocked to learn that rather than closing down, Siemens is expanding and developing a new multimillion pound site in Manchester.
“The site will create up to 170 jobs working with innovative green technology and will become a global centre for the development of next generation wind farms.
“I have written to the Minister to ask what intelligence the Government have on future plans for renewable energy in Wales, because it seems to me that if they had been on the ball and entered discussions with Siemens, we could have lobbied for this multi-million pound development to come here to Montgomeryshire.
"Instead of building a new site, Siemens could have expanded the existing site in Newtown and instead of losing 40 jobs we would have gained 170!”
Mr Bates said a lack of support for the renewables industry in Powys had left the county with a missed opportunity.
He said: “The green sector will be an important employer in future years, but jobs, skills and investment are being driven over the border.
“The lack of political support for renewable development, nimbyism and constant delays in the planning system mean that companies are losing faith in Welsh renewables.
“As a result we have missed out on a great opportunity for Newtown to be at the forefront of an innovative green technology industry and bring jobs and investment to the area.”