Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
17th November 2009
Task Force Seeking Business and Community Views
The Hebrides Range Task Force is seeking views and opinions from business and the community over the economic future for the Uists and Benbecula.
The consultation is one of the actions following the successful fight to retain jobs at the Range over the summer.
The Taskforce set up a working group to explore issues around economic diversification and the group has now developed an initial set of draft ideas and objectives based around existing community strategies. The Consultation Document identifies a number of long-term strategic objectives; outlines potential activity in key sectors offering diversification opportunities and identifies some key projects which could be undertaken in the short-term.
An initial consultation document is available at the HRTF website www.hebridesrangetaskforce.com and the Taskforce is keen to hear view and comments as well as suggestions to improve the draft strategy. This consultation is viewed as the first of a series of opportunities for the community to input as the strategy is developed over the next weeks and months.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Angus Campbell, said: “It is clear that a significant level of the local economy of the Uists and Benbecula is based around the Range and its activities. While the Range makes a vital contribution to the local economy, HRTF take the view that the economy needs to diversify away from being overly reliant on one sector. The Taskforce therefore agreed to form a working group to bring forward ideas in regard to diversification of the economy and the present consultation is based around the first draft developed by the group. Before the Group develops its ideas to the next stage, HRTF is keen to consult with the local business and wider community. HRTF views this consultation is an opportunity for everyone to give their thoughts on the way forward for the community and I would urge everyone with an interest to make their views know to the Taskforce.”
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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
