BOSSES at Brunner Mond breathed a sigh of relief yesterday, Tuesday, as Chancellor Gordon Brown saved the company from a crippling new tax.

Fingers have been crossed for months following Mr Brown's proposals to introduce a tax on minerals, like limestone, into his spring budget.

The move could have forced the chemical giant - which employs 750 people - out of business.

But Northwich's MP Mike Hall, who united with other MPs, unions and businesses in vigorous opposition to the plans, called the Northwich Guardian from the Houses of Parliament yesterday afternoon, just after the Chancellor gave his speech.

"It's very good news - there was absolutely no mention of the tax," he said.

"A huge cloud has been lifted from the horizon - Brunner Mond can now continue to provide soda ash and keep the large number of people it employs."

And the company's business director, Mark Chitty, said: "We are very grateful the Government has responded positively to our campaign."

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