AN EAST Lancashire businessman is playing a leading role in a deal that could safeguard 6,000 jobs linked to van maker LDV.

David Fishwick, who runs a huge LDV franchise in Colne, is brokering a deal that could see Malaysian firm Weststar buying the troubled Birmingham van maker.

Mr Fishwick claims that if the 60 UK LDV dealers were willing to take a short term financial hit the future of the company could be a bright one.

The businessman, who lives in the Ribble Valley, said: “I have been in discussions with Bob Rai, the UK director of Weststar, and there is no doubt Westar is still very much in the frame.

“As far as Weststar are concerned there is still a potential deal to be done, and armed with their global business plan and experience, it looks like a deal worth doing.”

Weststar had agreed to buy LDV earlier this year but that deal hit the rocks after a wrangle over finance.

Bur Mr Fishwick, who provided LDV with £500,000 to secure wages for its staff, believes an assurance from dealers that they were willing to accept a short term loss would bring Weststar back into the fold.

He added: “This potential deal will underpin the long-term security of LDV and make any short-term investment by dealers worthwhile.

“Weststar have clearly stated their intentions and Bob Rai has assured me that manufacturing will remain in Birmingham and this will subsequently secure many jobs.”