Loughborough backstreets ~ 20 by seanoneill

Loughborough backstreets ~ 20

This huge factory and R+D facility is disused.

A large multinational pharmaceutical company once employed 1300 people at this site on the outskirts of Loughborough. They closed it down a few years ago, since when it has stood empty.

It is a shocking example of the way corporations are thoughtless in the way they uproot families and create a huge impact on local economies. We know of husbands and wives who worked here where husband was told he could relocate with the firm to the north west of England, and the wife was told she could relocate to Sweden! Meanwhile, the people at the top who take these decisions pick up their bonuses.
Too true, Sean - and the Company was probably given a Government Grant to set up in the first place. You will be aware that Fords in Swaythling has recently closed - one year after accepting a fresh Government grant. Basic Common Law doesn't seem to apply to multinationals.
February 8th, 2014  
It's hard to intentionally root anywhere these days. Great shot; telling narrative
February 8th, 2014  
perfect shot to go with your caption, what a sad situation.
February 8th, 2014  
Great b&w.
My son is an architect that builds pharmaceutical plants for a major US drug company. You would be surprised at what goes on and why our drugs cost so very much. They will take plans all the way to almost breaking ground and then scrap that drug so they pile those costs on top of others. It is always the guys at the top that make the money no matter what.
February 8th, 2014  
great b&w - and that's a pretty horrific story
February 8th, 2014  
And schools lose lovely students and families and governors....Is this AZ? I've heard that some are now having to relocate again to Cambridge!
February 8th, 2014  
Great mono rendition. Sad, we've had the same here.
February 8th, 2014  
The rather sombre nature of the processing of your shot goes with the whole story of the factory!
February 8th, 2014  
A stark capture. The tones are quite harshly contrasty which fits the story behind the shot very well.
February 8th, 2014  
Great shot to go with your narrative, sad story 'tho.
February 9th, 2014  
Seems to happen everywhere. Very heartless indeed. Powerful shot and narrative.
February 9th, 2014  
Depressing to see buildings like this empty, isn't it?
February 9th, 2014  
Is this close to the roundabout on the hathern side. One of the reasons me and my husband went self employed.
February 9th, 2014  
@cazla yes turn left there and then about half a mile down that road.
February 9th, 2014  
Same thing here. A few years ago, companies were moving their facilities overseas at an amazing rate. There has been a backlash, so some are starting to return, but lots of lives were disrupted. Amazing that such a nice facility can sit empty so long.
February 12th, 2014  
Great shot and commentary Sean
February 26th, 2014  
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