THE leader of Inverclyde Council has made the case for jobs and investment in the area during a meeting with Scotland’s First Minister.
Councillor Stephen McCabe made the appeal to John Swinney during discussions in Greenock today.
Mr McCabe says Inverclyde is a ‘special case’ for targeted support from the Scottish Government and its agencies to help following the loss of around 1,500 jobs from the area in recent years, including the 70 jobs potentially being lost at Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow.
The council leader also highlighted the area’s massive opportunities and how the council and government could work together on a number of projects to unlock Inverclyde’s potential.
Mr McCabe said: “I’m pleased the First Minister accepted my invitation to visit Inverclyde and see for himself the challenges but also the massive opportunities we have. It was a very positive meeting and I was heartened by what the First Minister had to say.
“Inverclyde has a unique set of circumstances that merits us being designated a special case for targeted investment from the Scottish Government and its agencies to help bring employers to Inverclyde and to create and sustain jobs.
“We are already designated a priority area by the Glasgow City Region and we also need that recognition and the financial support from the government to bring much-needed investment and jobs to Inverclyde.”
Mr McCabe and Mr Swinney held talks at Greenock Municipal Buildings along with council chief executive, Stuart Jamieson, and Stuart McMillan MSP.
Mr Swinney said: “Iverclyde has a proud heritage as an industrial powerhouse and strong foundations for growth.
“Today I have seen first-hand the talent, ambition and potential that exists across Inverclyde, which will play a vital role in the area’s future success.
“We want to harness the strengths of Inverclyde by continuing to support regeneration projects across Inverclyde. We are also working with the council and local partners to attract investment, create jobs and unlock new opportunities, including for the young people who will help shape Inverclyde’s future.
“By continuing to work in partnership, I know we can build on that investment and ensure Inverclyde fulfils its potential.”
The leaders also visited Craigend Resource Centre in Greenock where they met staff, volunteers and users. The centre received new premises in 2021 with support from the council and funding from the Scottish Government and National Lottery.
Mr McCabe said: “Craigend is a great example of what can be achieved when the council, government and local community work together to deliver for the people and communities we serve.
“But successes like the rebuilding of the resource centre can only be achieved with additional financial support that councils simply cannot provide on their own.
“Inverclyde needs greater support from the government to help tackle the jobs crisis, which will go a long way towards addressing the challenges we have with poor health outcomes, declining population, and building more houses.
“We are keen to work with the First Minister and the Scottish Government to create opportunities for Inverclyde and deliver better outcomes for the people of Inverclyde.”
During the discussions with the First Minister, the council leader put forward five specific areas where the council and government could work together:
— Inward investment through support from government agencies Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise.
— Support to deliver comprehensive improvement the Port Glasgow Lower Quarter.
— Support for regional empowerment through a devolution deal as agreed by Glasgow City Region Cabinet last week.
— Support for an initiative specifically targeting people who are out of work.
— Infrastructure funding and working with Transport Scotland.
