Eskdale MP David Mundell is hoping a major jobs summit to be held in Langholm later this month will be the start of a plan to boost employment and investment in the Muckle Toon.
The summit which is to be held at the Eskdale Hotel in the town on Wednesday 21 December will be attended by a number of key interested parties and Mr Mundell hopes that solutions can be agreed in order to take forward plans to arrest the job decline in the region.
Mr Mundell calls for a summit in Langholm came after the closure of the Border Fine Arts Factory, the potential closure of the Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser and a possible re-location by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill to Carlisle.
Commenting David Mundell MP said: “I am pleased that this vital summit is to be held in Langholm before Christmas as it is important we come up with a plan that will sustain the area’s economy in the coming years as soon as possible.
“With job losses in recent months, it is very important that everyone works together in order to deliver jobs and investment for Langholm and Eskdale going forward.
“That’s why I am working closely with David Stevenson as well as Tom Millar of the Langholm Initiative who have both confirmed they will be attending.
“Also on board are representatives from Scottish Enterprise, the community council, Buccleuch Estates and I’m liaising directly with Ross Martin of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry on what will be discussed at the meeting.
“It’s also been indicated that key players from Dumfries and Galloway Council, the Scottish Government and the NHS will be in attendance so I am very hopeful the summit will find agreement on an economic plan for the area.
“The job losses have been a huge blow to the area and we need to ensure that the investment and opportunities are readily available to allow Langholm and the surrounding communities to prosper.
“I am very much looking forward to the summit on 21 December to tackle the major issues facing the Muckle Toon at the moment.”