Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire Councils work together for Upper Nithsdale and Cumnock
Written by admin on June 29, 2012
Following a meeting of the leaders of both councils today (29 June) Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire will be working together to improve and promote the economy of Upper Nithsdale and Cumnock.
Depute Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Brian Collins, said, “This is a first step, but I am optimistic that we can make a difference to people’s lives by working this joint approach. The economies of Upper Nithsdale and Cumnock areas are broadly similar with the same socio economic challenges and the communities have strong links. Even through more prosperous times the two areas have struggled to create sustainable local economic development. Both Councils will be likely to seek the same kind of solutions for employability, business and town regeneration, so it makes sense for us to work together.
“Together we can make a strong case for additional, bespoke support from Scottish Government and National Agencies such as Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland because of the scale of the issues. The problems include the levels of industrial decline, population, and deprivation. ”
An Upper Nithsdale and Cumnock Economic Action Plan could be developed which would aim to attract additional and bespoke support and resources to address the challenges facing the areas. This could include skills programmes, travel to work support and inward investment to attract a new employer, of significant size to make a difference, into the area.
The Councils agree today that senior Officers from each Council will meet over the summer to:
* work up the terms of reference for a Member / Officer / Private Sector Working Group to be set up to take forward the development of the Action Plan.
* produce an outline of the interventions and outcomes the Action Plan would seek to deliver.
