NEWPORT has missed out on up to 150 jobs making television and film trailers because of comments made by Newport West MP Paul Flynn, according to the managing director of a Bristol company.

But Mr Flynn has called any suggestion he would not welcome jobs to the city 'untrue'.

With a fleet of 160 trucks, Bristol Television & Film Services (BTFS) has provided a range of make-up vehicles, costume vehicles, support vehicles, production offices and artist trailers for film and television crews for more than 30 years.

The company’s annual turnover stands at £3 million a year and its projected growth plan would see the company turn over £15 million each year over the next five years.

Among its notable credits are Eastenders, Gavin and Stacey, Little Britain, Stella, Miranda, The Inbetweeners, Holby City and The Bill.

Up until this point, BTFS has imported the vehicles from the U.S and Canada but the company is now looking for a site in the UK to manufacture their own.

In his search, managing director Nigel Gordon-Stewart met with businessman Stephen Fear earlier this year. Dr Fear is planning to redevelop the former Sainsbury's site in Newport.

Impressed, BTFS earmarked Newport as a potential site for up to 150 jobs at a manufacturing plant that would develop, paint and modify these composite vehicles.

However, following Paul Flynn’s blog about Mr Fear’s appearance at a Digital Tuesday event last month, which warned that Newport should “beware of strangers bearing gifts” as not all promised investments had proved beneficial, Mr Gordon-Stewart said he pulled the plug.

He said: “It sounded really, really exciting. I wouldn’t have been interested if it wasn’t exciting. It was quite an attractive package.

“But, what we saw [on the blog] buried it. Good God. We didn’t stand a chance.

“It’s an MP. As far as I’m concerned, he is speaking on behalf of the people. If you elect an MP, what he says and what he does are representative to the majority of their views.

“What we expected was the complete opposite. I wanted someone to fling their arms open and say, ‘How can we help you?’

“I love Wales. I’m a rugby addict. It’s a home from home. It’s majorly disappointing.”

Responding to the comments, Paul Flynn said: “Any suggestion I would not welcome jobs in Newport is not true. We have always welcomed real investment.

“Turning jobs away from Newport when I have spent the best part of my life getting jobs into Newport?

“We have got to be careful with what we are doing. The pressure is that any development is better than no development. This is not true.

“I believe this is just a stunt. I believe they’re fantasy jobs.”