| Practical Benefits of Community Planning - 'Consumer Direct' Helpline Bid |
23 October 2003 |
| Western Isles Community Planning Partnership has highlighted the progress of the Western Isles bid for the Consumer Direct Contact Centre as an example of the kind of practical benefit that Community Planning can bring. The Western Isles are in the top six and the only Scottish bid in the running for selection for 3 pathfinder projects to handle consumer enquiries. The bid was put together by a Community Planning partnership led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Angus Campbell ,Vice Convenor of the Comhairle who chaired the Community Planning Partnership said: “The Western Isles produced the strongest Scottish bid for the Consumer Direct Pathfinder Centre which will bring up to 30 jobs to the area in which it is located. It is by working together that we will achieve the successes and real benefits that our communities deserve. There is sometimes a negative perception of the Islands portrayed through the media, particularly so by newspapers based in the central belt. Yet this bid was based on the many strengths and factors we have such as quality of life, business infrastructure and highly skilled employees. Such factors helped achieve the success we have enjoyed so far in the selection process for Consumer Direct. Whatever happens now, the Western Isles have demonstrated an ability to compete with anywhere else in Scotland or indeed the UK, in terms of meeting forward looking business needs” The Community Planning Partnership also noted the progress in developing applications for wind farms. Such developments have created the success of Arnish which is now employing significant numbers . Angus Campbell said, “ We have known for some time that the renewable energy industry could bring benefits to our Islands and Arnish is again an example of how by planning and working together we can achieve our goals. The big windfarm projects for Lewis are still some way off, although as advanced as they can be at this stage. But Arnish is producing now and it was great to see the first towers being exported for the renewables industry. Obviously we hope that Arnish will gain further orders when major windfarms start in Lewis”. The partnership also noted the new Initiative At The Edge areas announced by the Scottish Executive at the recent Highlands and Islands Convention held in Stornoway. The Partnership agreed to continue to support the needs of areas in the Western Isles whether or not they have IAAO classification.
Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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