THE news about Mini was last night being hailed as a boost for the whole county yesterday.

Martin Dare-Edwards, chairman of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is fantastic news which confirms the UK as production location for the next generation of Mini and will help to safeguard 5,000 jobs across the three production plants.

“In addition to the boost this will give to Mini Plant Oxford, the wider economic value to Oxfordshire of this announcement is enormous.”

In February 2009, the plant laid off 850 agency workers at the plant, but yesterday’s news was welcomed by unions.

Chris Bond, BMW Unite branch representative, said: “For every one of those jobs saved, there are two-and-a-half other jobs saved in the associated service sector.

“So you are actually talking about 18,000 jobs being secure here.

“The workforce has earned this. Over the last ten years, they have been one of the most flexible workforces in the country, working unsociable shifts, pay freezes and doing everything they could to save BMW.

“Now BMW have returned the favour.”

Gordon Roper, chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said: “It’s good for Oxford, it’s good for employees, it’s good for everybody with the way the economy is at the minute.

“It shows there is great confidence in Mini and the workers should be over the moon, I only hope there will be more jobs available in the future.”

He added: “It’s a boost for everyone in Oxford. And we really need a boost at the minute.”

Bryan Keen, city councillor for Cowley, said: “It’s the best possible news we could have received.

“You can’t put a price on the future of all those jobs. The Mini is definitely Oxford, and I’m happy it’s staying that way.”

And Paul Rowcliffe, who runs The Filling Station Snack Bar outside the plant, said it was great news for the city.

He said: “It’s just a shame that it was a German company that’s bringing in the work. The plant is a huge part of Oxford and always has been.

“I lived here for 16 years and I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. I think there will be lots more in the years to come.”