Bruce and Radcliffe Call for Huntly Economic Strategy

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Apr 2005

Gordon MSP Nora Radcliffe and MP Malcolm Bruce have called for a strategy to promote economic development in Huntly following the announcement of possible redundancies at R B Farquhar and a meeting with company Chairman, Forbes Shand.

Mr Bruce and Mrs Radcliffe have written jointly to Aberdeenshire Council and Grampian Enterprise calling for a strategy to promote new employment in the town.

Mrs Radcliffe commented:

"R.B. Farquhar is a major employer and these redundancies will be keenly felt across the area. I hope those individuals who are made redundant will find a ready market for their skills and that local agencies will provide advice and support. I am please that R.B.Farqhuar will continue to be based here but I hope that new employers could be attracted to the industrial estate to offer new employment opportunities and diversity to Huntly."

Mr Bruce has also written to DTI Secretary Patricia Hewitt complaining that R.B. Farquhar's Danish competitor was given assistance to set up in competition in Northumberland.

"This is an example of how taxpayers' money is used to create jobs in one area and ends up undermining jobs elsewhere.

"Nora and I are delighted that another Huntly company Deans is expanding its business but appreciate how hard it is to do this profitably when costs are rising faster than inflation.

"If we are to lose skilled jobs at Farquhar it is important that Aberdeenshire Council and Grampian Enterprise come together to promote the town and help with redevelopment and retraining."