BIRMINGHAM is on the march to save its beloved HP Sauce from going Dutch. Police and council chiefs have agreed a mile-long route for a massive demonstration of public anger at Heinz plans to axe the Aston Cross plant. It will also give Brummies a chance to show their affection for the wonderful brown sauce produced there, which has been described as a symbol of the nation. We have published below the route that protesters will march on Saturday, June 3, with a massed rally initially at Aston Park from 10.30am, opposite the Aston Villa ground. In a great gesture of support, Villa will throw open its car park at the Holte End, with an overspill available at the club's coach park in Witton Road. Workers from among the 125-strong HP workforce facing the dole will lead off from the park at 11.30am accompanied by a marching band. They will be flanked by Transport & General Workers' Union leader Tony Woodley, Perry Barr Labour MP Khalid Mah-mood and Birmingham historian Dr Carl Chinn. The Birmingham Mail will also be in the vanguard of the huge show of strength with staff holding high a banner proclaiming Save Our Sauce. Marchers will leave from the park and turn right on to Witton Lane, under Aston Expressway, and on to Queens Road. From there the route will turn right into Church Lane and on to Church Road. At the A5127 Lichfield Road, the march will turn right and carry on all the way to the island at Park Lane/Rocky Lane before arriving at the gates of the HP Sauce factory. The T&G will have 50 huge blue flags flying and a host of placards and other trade unions will also be urged to bring along their banners. Gerard Coyne, TGWU Midlands secretary, said: "We need to send a message loud and clear to Heinz that this is not on and that this facility should remain where it has been for more than 100 years. "Many are now saying that people have to get off their knees and start campaigning to save manufacturing in the UK - and this is where we start."
SAVE OUR SAUCE
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