Meeting sought with Minister to get jobs

Meeting sought with Minister to get jobs

11 September 2013

DOWN Council is seeking a meeting with Stormont employment minister Arlene Foster to make a robust case for jobs investment in the district.

The decision was taken during an emergency debate on Monday night following the recent announcement by Crossgar Foodservice that it is to shed 60 jobs.

The business says it intends to remain a major employer in the area and welcoming this news, local politicians want firms across the district provided with increased support at the highest levels of government.

Politicians are concerned at the recent loss of jobs in the public and private sectors and want the haemorrhaging to stop, with these sectors provided with all possible support.

A motion by Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews to meet with Mrs. Foster and her officials was agreed unanimously.

He also urged councillors to contact their respective MLAs to make a strong case for jobs promotion across the district and ensure that potential investors are well aware of what the area has to offer.

Councillor Andrews said elected representatives will be aware of the impact the loss of 60 jobs at Crossgar Foodservice will have on the families of the workers concerned, the economy and well-being of the area.

“There has been a constant drip of job loss announcements over the past few years with a number of staff in the public sector moved out of the district to work elsewhere,” he said.

“Public services are being withdrawn and our towns and villages are haemorrhaging, with businesses closing. We even have major banks closing branches across our district.

“Down Council must do all it can to support existing businesses and services to help keep our economy vibrant and maintain jobs. We must also encourage people to shop local and support businesses which are at the heart of the district’s economy.”

Councillor chairwoman Maria McCarthy described Crossgar Foodservice as one of the district’s principal employers and agreed that every effort must be made to support local businesses, especially during the current economic downturn.

She said she had already written to Mrs. Foster to ensure the district “receives every possible support” from Invest NI.

Miss McCarthy said the message needed to go out that Down District was open for business.

“It’s crucial that Down Council is more determined than ever in bringing forward and bringing to fruition an economic regeneration plan for the district, focusing on our natural strengths in terms of outstanding areas of natural beauty and tourism,” added Miss McCarthy.

Councillor William Dick said last week’s job loss announcement could have been a lot worse if Mr. Paul Bell of Lissara Farms Ltd. had not purchased Crossgar Foodservice’s poultry division which saved the jobs of 46 staff.

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Robert Burgess voiced their support for the motion.