CHANCE TO PUT VIEWS ON ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT
| CHANCE TO PUT VIEWS ON ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT | |
| 24 February 2003 People throughout the Western Isles are to get a chance to express their views about a blueprint for the Islands' economic development. This is outlined in an Action Plan for ‘Creating Communities of the Future’ and envisages the Islands taking advantage of their natural and cultural resources to boost economic growth and stem the fall in population numbers. Western Isles Enterprise, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Enterprise jointly developed ‘Creating Communities of the Future’, with the document subsequently being endorsed by the Scottish Executive. The Action Plan seeks to detail actions to implement the strategy as well as achieve other proposed outcomes. It is envisaged that successful implementation of the Action Plan will lead to: A stable (and ultimately growing) population The plan outlines the individual actions required to achieve these aims and identifies the agencies responsible for each of them. The Action Plan is based on work undertaken by the Western Isles Local Economic Forum (WI LEF). WI LEF was established in June 2001 after the Scottish Executive agreed to establish a forum in each Local Enterprise Company area. WI LEF’s initial task was to tackle the problems of congestion, confusion, overlap and duplication in the delivery of economic development services. Significant progress has been made on this, including the development of a Single Entry Point to business development services. The LEF believes there is currently a window of opportunity for radical action and investment in key areas of the Western Isles economy. “With appropriate action the viability of our communities can be secured and solutions found to resolve some of the key difficulties faced by the Islands” says the document. It will also help secure solutions to the energy needs of the UK through the supply of clean energy and it will allow for the regeneration of the distinctive Gaelic culture and heritage of the Western Isles. The overall ‘Creating Communities of the Future’ concept is part of the local Community Plan, which has the vision of “creating a prosperous and healthy community based on the principle of sustainable development through respect for the natural environment and the cultural traditions of the Western Isles”. Mr Murdo MacLennan, WI LEF Chairman urged people to read the document and submit their opinions. “This is intended to be the foundation stone for future prosperity.” he said. Views should be sent by Friday 21st March 2003 to: Calum Iain MacIver, Western Isles Enterprise, James Square, 9 James Street, Stornoway,Isle of Lewis HS1 2QN or by e-mail: calum.maciver@hient.co.uk
Notes to editors: 1) The document Creating Communities of the Future can be viewed / downloaded from the WI LEF website at: www.wilef.co.uk 2) Western Isles Local Economic Forum is comprised of the following organisations: | |