LUXURY car manufacturer TVR, which is opening a new factory in Ebbw Vale, has written to first minister Carwyn Jones urging him to give the Circuit of Wales the go-ahead.

In the letter the firm’s directors Les Edgar and John Chasey say the closeness of the new facility, which will create 150 new jobs when it opens later this year, to the planned £425 million racetrack had “strongly influenced” their decision to move ahead with the scheme.

The letter, dated Thursday, May 11, reads: “We understand that the decision to proceed on the Circuit of Wales project is imminent and we would like to offer out thoughts on the initiative

“The proposed factory site we have selected for TVR in Ebbw Vale was strongly influenced by the potential siting of the Circuit of Wales project immediately adjacent to the industrial estate where we will be based.

“We believe that the circuit would provide significant opportunity for us to attract customers to our site on multiple occasions both pre and post purchase.

“We would be able to offer test drives and driver training on track and feel that customers would also spend one of more nights in the area with such a facility rather than simply a flying visit, providing opportunities for broader hospitality.

“We optimistically look forward to hearing the decision in due course.”

The Circuit of Wales has twice been turned down by the Welsh Government, with a third bid currently under consideration. Although economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates had previously said he expected to be able to make a decision on the application in March, no decision has yet been made, with some saying it is now likely this will not happen until after next month’s General Election.

The letter was obtained by Plaid Cymru’s shadow business and economy secretary Adam Price, who has repeatedly called for answers on why a decision has not been made on the project.

He said: “It is clear from this letter sent to us anonymously of the importance of the Circuit of Wales scheme to TVR.

“If the circuit development is not supported by the Welsh Government, the danger is that the choice of the preferred location in Blaenau Gwent will be revisted.

“TVR clearly believes it will not obtain the full benefit of its location to Ebbw Vale without the circuit.”

Last week the Argus revealed the Circuit of Wales project team had been in discussions with the Scottish Government around setting up a similar or alternative scheme in Scotland.

But the Scottish Government has now said no formal application has been submitted.

A spokesman said: “The Scottish Government was approached by motorsport interests and initial, tentative discussions took place on Scotland’s potential to attract motorsport related investment opportunities.

“However, to date, no proposal has been submitted to Scottish ministers or our agencies for our consideration and we therefore have no plans at present to progress with a similar scheme to that proposed for Circuit of Wales.”

The Welsh Government was not available for comment as the Argus went to press.