«1970 1971 1972 »

Throughout the gradual reclamation of hundreds of acres of marshland to allow expansion of the steelworks, every effort has been made to protect the flora and fauna of the area. The common tern has made the Dee Marshes its summer home for as long as records have been kept and since the late 1960s hundreds of the graceful sea birds have nested on lagoons on the north side of the works. Merseyside Ringing Group has liaised with the works in the management of the breeding rafts since 1970 and the project is recognised with a Prince of Wales Environment Award. During the 1970s and 1980s the bird is the works’ product quality symbol.

Shotton “heavy end” closure planned

In March, the Government announces a “deep seated” review of BSC and in December the Iron and Steel Bill 1971 is published and presented to Parliament. It contains a 10 year development with major impact on Shotton.

The plan envisages the modernisation and expansion of the steel industry at a cost of £3,000m and involves total and partial plant closures. At Shotton, iron and steel making and hot rolling operations will be phased out by 1980, with the loss of 6,500 jobs. The works’ cold rolling and coatings departments are to remain in production, with a manpower requirement of some 6,000 men and women.