Dumfries and Galloway Council Area Committee Chair welcomes meeting with Minister to discuss industry in Langholm

A meeting will take place tomorrow (Tuesday 20 August) in Langholm to discuss the challenges currently facing the local area following recent job losses. The meeting will take place as a result of a commitment given by John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, to visit Langholm and discuss issues relating to the local economy.

This will be a round table discussion focussing on what further action can be taken by the Scottish Government and its partners – Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Enterprise, the third sector, local businesses and other key stakeholders – to assist the local economy following recent job losses in the area. The meeting will provide those attending with the opportunity to highlight areas where they see further support benefiting the area and how that support might be provided.

Talking about the meeting tomorrow, Chair of the Area Committee, Cllr Denis Male, said “I am delighted that John Swinney is coming to Langholm for this important meeting. There have been near 100 job losses in the last 6-8 months in the local area. It is encouraging that the Minister recognises that assistance is required to address these issues.  One of our Council’s priorities is ‘Support and stimulate the local economy’.  This gives our commitment to local people that we will help to address issues affecting the local economy such as those currently being experienced in the Langholm area.

Eskdale is renowned for its people and skills in the ceramic and textile industry. I am hopeful that opportunities can be created through working with the Scottish Government, the Council and its partners to bring industry back to the area. I am also hopeful that the group will investigate other opportunities for small businesses within the area.

There is on-going work in the Langholm area to address to current situation; a brand new all-through school being built in the area which will attract families to the enhanced educational opportunities, current discussions with the NHS about enhancing the health opportunities in Esdkdale and local groups are also looking at leisure opportunities in the area. I am encouraged that it is not only the Scottish Governement, the Council and its partners also the community itself is responding to the unprecedented challenges that face it at this time.”