Kay Mason Billig, leader of the county council, said the area could not “afford to lose” the sports car manufacturer after reports that its owner Geely was planning to shut down the Hethel site.

Lotus has said it has no plans to close its Hethel base (Image: Denise Bradley) Lotus said in a statement that it had “no plans to close the factory”, reassuring the business secretary Jonathan Reynolds of its commitment to its UK operations.

However, concerns have remained.

The leader of County Hall, along with South Norfolk District Council........

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