Statement by TUV Bannside councillor Timothy Gaston:
“As this week progresses so does the negotiations between the Wright Group administrators and the potential buyers with a number of bids expected this weekend.
“I do not wish to raise false hope, but I have been pleased with the amount of engagement Deliotte has had through out this week as they engage with five bidders who are urged to submit their bids over the weekend.
“Wrightbus is a recognised icon throughout the world which has been confirmed by the interest from bidders across the globe.
“I understand from the administrators that they have invited all bids to come in over the weekend and are aiming to have these processed by the start of the week. “From direct discussions I’ve had with interested parties these bids are a mixture of old site and new site options.
“I understand the site owner has been involved in discussions to get a tailor made solution.
“There are alternatives on the table for the JTI site which will be considered if the old site is the preferred location.
“My focus and that of my party colleagues, both MLA and councillors, has been and will continue to be getting the gates of the factory back open and the men back to work.”