The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Councillor Group on North Ayrshire Council have welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Theresa May on her recent visit to Ayrshire that the UK Government was prepared to support the proposed Ayrshire Growth Deal.
Group leader Cllr Tom Marshall and Deputy leader Cllr Todd Ferguson have previously met with Scottish Secretary David Mundell MP to discuss the Ayrshire Growth Deal and put forward its case.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Councillor Group commented:
“It is extremely welcome that the UK Government have agreed to support the Ayrshire Growth Deal and formally open talks. An industrial focus is critical in the growth deal’s success and will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges experienced in the North Ayrshire economy including a lack of employment opportunities and a failure to access high quality education,
“The Ayrshire Growth Deal represents a good example of the local benefits that can be achieved by cooperating with our colleagues south of the border.
“With both the Scottish and UK Governments working together with North Ayrshire Council we can grow the economy in Ayrshire for the benefit of all. Admittedly, this might be a challenge as the wider Scottish economy continues to underperform the UK economy by a considerable margin, however progress in eliminating this gap is welcome.”