A petition has recently been gathered by local residents calling for action to reduce the impact large vehicles are having on the town.
The packing business, owned by Icelandic company Bakkavor bags watercress, rocket and spinach for major retailers such as Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose. In 2013 the factory based in Bighton Lane packed some 48 million bags and employs 170 full-time and eight part-time workers, many who live locally.
During the meeting with Site Operations Manager Steven Turner the MP was told about the company's support for a number of local events including the Alresford Music Festival, Tichborne Park Cricket Club, the Alresford Christmas Trees and the world-famous Watercress Festival. Bakkavor was also the main sponsor of the Alresford Show in 2013.
Steve Brine said; "Alresford is the home of watercress and I want it to stay that way. The Watercress Company – and Alresford Salads - provide solid employment for the area and contribute positively to the local community. Late last year I visited TWC to learn some more about the growing process of this iconic local product and it was logical subsequently to see the packing process and understand the business that sends vast quantities of watercress, rocket and spinach to a worldwide market.
"There are obviously tensions with the local community at the present time, especially in Broad Street and on The Soke which wasn't built for cars let alone two large lorries passing each other. I have made clear to all concerned I don't think the status quo is sustainable and remain committed to working responsibly to find a solution that works for all.
"A number of ideas are on the table which could make a dramatic difference but in general terms I think we need a sensible evidence based plan to rebalance what is a successful local business with an ancient town centre in a conservation area that we obviously have a duty to protect. Destroying a successful local employer would be a retrograde step and make us all collectively worse off in my opinion."
During the visit, the MP also heard about upcoming improvements from Hampshire County Council to widen parts of Bighton Lane, part of which will be funded by Alresford Salads.
Pictured; Steve Brine MP and Steven Turner from Alresford Salads at the Bighton Lane factory
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