David Mundell MP has welcomed the announcement of a South of Scotland enterprise agency but say the service must be given the right support once it is up and running.
The Scottish Conservatives called for a South of Scotland Enterprise Zone in their election manifesto earlier this year and have been keeping up the pressure on the Scottish Government to back plans for a similar agency to the Highland and Islands enterprise.
Now that Economy Secretary Keith Brown has announced plans to create an enterprise service for the south of Scotland, the MP is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure that the agency has the right support in place to deliver for local people.
David Mundell MP said: “The Highlands and Islands enterprise agency has delivered real economic boosts to the area for a number of years and the creation of a similar agency for the south of Scotland has been long over-due.
“This area has unfortunately suffered from significant job losses in recent years and those affected have needed more support and assistance to get back into work in order to provide for their families.
“That is exactly the sort of service an enterprise agency can provide as well as supporting our vital small and medium businesses.
“The right level of support needs to be shown from the Scottish Government when this agency is set up in order that they have the right tools to create much needed job opportunities.
"It is a welcome announcement but the Scottish Government need to back this up with action.”