FORMULA One boss Bernie Ecclestone's decision to pull the plug on a digital TV service has fuelled fears for Biggin Hill's economy.

Last month the multi-millionaire racing supremo announced 300 staff could be laid off after the failure of his digital pay-per-view coverage, run from a hangar at Biggin Hill Airport.

Now Biggin Hill councillors are concerned about the potential blow to shops and businesses.

Councillor Geoff Gostt says urgent talks are needed between Bromley Council, airport chiefs and the Airport Users' Committee to find ways to fill the likely vacuum in the local economy. He added: "I want to know what they will do with their premises and whether we can generate more work through current airport users."

A Biggin Hill Airport spokesman says significantly reducing Formula One Management's workforce will have an effect far beyond the airport's perimeter.

She added: "A lot of local businesses trade with the company, and staff and contractors stay in local B&Bs, eat in local pubs and buy from local petrol stations."

Audio Visual Services, which is based at the Airport Industrial Estate and supplies technical equipment to Formula One, will be affected by the job losses.

Director Sarah Denhart said: "It was a shock to hear about the job losses. It will also impact on us."

Ecclestone's multi-channel service, which meant viewers could choose to watch a variety of camera angles during the race, was launched in 1996.

His company also organises advertising for race events from its Biggin Hill hangar, which holds four aircraft to transport staff to the events.

Under conditions on land use, any business replacing the digital TV service would also have to relate in some way to the airport.

Formula One submitted proposals in 1998 for redeveloping the West Camp but has yet to sign an agreement with Bromley Council allowing redevelopment provided Ecclestone improves access to the site.

A spokesman for the company said: "We have not shut the company but there will be a significant reduction in jobs."

January 28, 2003 11:00