WREXHAM Council has issued messages of support following the news that Airbus is shedding 1,700 UK jobs.

The aerospace giant made the announcement last week, with many of the jobs being lost at the company’s Broughton site in neighbouring Flintshire.

A lot of people in Wrexham work at the site, and local businesses are also involved in supplying materials, goods and services to the plant.

Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for economy, said: "We know that a lot of people in Wrexham will be affected by this, and will be really worried about the future.

"Airbus is such a massive employer in the region and hugely respected – providing high-quality jobs for people across North East Wales, Cheshire and Wirral.

"A lot of businesses will also be affected, including firms right here in the county borough.

"It’s important we work with our partners – including neighbouring local authorities and Welsh Government – to do everything we can to attract investment and support for the region, so we can help businesses get through these tough times, protect jobs and create new ones."

The aerospace industry is feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, with less demand for air travel and aircraft at the moment.

Only recently, Magellan Aerospace, which supplies components to Airbus, confirmed it had entered into consultation with staff on the proposed loss of 240 jobs at its factory in Llay.

The Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA), which is an economic partnership between North East Wales, Cheshire and Wirral, has pledged to do everything it can to support the cross-border economy.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council and chair of the MDA, added: "Our thoughts are with the anxious families of the employees of Airbus and its supply chain companies.

"We know how devastating this news will be to so many people, and will try and do everything we can to work with our partners to protect jobs and support local industries through this very difficult time.

"So many people and businesses in Wrexham will be affected by the job losses, and we have to do everything we can with our partners to secure investment and support for the region."