UK NEWS
BBC: PEBBLE MILL SEES THOUSANDS OF JOBS GO
Pebble Mill produced programmes such as Howard’s Way, which starred Kate O'Mara/Wenn.com
THE BBC’s determination to create a new media powerhouse in Manchester is said to have dealt a potential death blow to the Midlands.
Thousands of jobs have gone since its Pebble Mill studios were closed six years ago and bulldozed the following year.
In its heyday, Pebble Mill produced programmes such as Howard’s Way, Boys From The Blackstuff, Noel Edmond’s Telly Addicts, Dalziel And Pascoe and Juliet Bravo.
Top Gear was also launched there. The new studios are in a former post office called the Mailbox but nicknamed the Shoebox by workers.
They have not generated the same creative energy as Pebble Mill. The BBC1 Show was launched at the Mailbox in August 2006 with Adrian Chiles and Nadia Sawalha but after a month it was moved to London because the facilities were inadequate.
Former Pebble Mill set designer John West argues the destruction of such a vibrant television centre has ripped the heart out of the Midlands.
He said: “The BBC’s treatment of our area is disrespectful, disgraceful and like to cause economic damage.”
Birmingham Edgbaston Labour MP Gisela Stuart said: “We had a strong, vibrant television centre at Pebble Mill and now the BBC production is going to the North and the South. We are being drained.”
Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/189002/BBC:-Pebble-Mill-sees-thousands-of-jobs-go/BBC-Pebble-Mill-sees-thousands-of-jobs-go#
Posts
