MSP wades into 2 Sisters cash dispute
JONATHAN GEDDES
SNP MSP Clare Haughey has hit back at Labour’s James Kelly as the row over funding formerly awarded to 2 Sisters continues.
Last week we reported that the Scottish Government would not re- invest cash previously given to the meat supplier back into Cambuslang.
2 Sisters was forced to return £650,000 in government grants after announcing it was closing the factory last year, with the loss of 450 jobs.
The money had previously been awarded on condition that the company remained in the area until 2020.
That prompted calls from Labour politicians including list MSP Mr Kelly and Rutherglen MP Ged Killen that the cash should be re-invested in the area.
However, the money will go towards supporting “general government economic activity”, a decision which was labelled “disgraceful” by Mr Kelly.
Now Rutherglen MSP Ms Haughey has hit out, calling Mr Kelly’s comments “utterly disingenuous”.
She said: “Nowhere in the First Minister’s comments did she give ‘an assurance’ where the money would be reinvested.
“Ultimately, the funding was given to 2 Sisters, and since the company breached the conditions of the grant, it will be returned to the public purse.
“Cambuslang is in desperate need of investment, however, this has been caused by the decades of neglect and underinvestment by Mr Kelly’s Labour-led South Lanarkshire Council.
“There was no foresight shown by Labour to improve local infrastructure with the rapid building of homes, no action taken to ease Cambuslang Main Street’s parking problems, and nothing done to regenerate the town centre, all of which the new SNP administration is looking to address.” The curtain goes up next week on Stonelaw High School’s end of term show.
This year’s performance, on stage on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, is Legally Blonde The Musical. South Lanarkshire Council is inviting residents to have their say on anti-social behaviour services in their area.
A consultation event will be held between 1pm and 4pm at Cambuslang Gate (lower level) next Tuesday.
Musical director Aimee O’Mara explained:“Based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical stays true to form with a peppy score and playful book.
“This musical is relatively new to the theatre world, catering to the present-day’s generation and culture.
“Legally Blonde The Musical is perfect for high school and community theatre, featuring a large ensemble and several big song-and-dance numbers.”
This year, a professionally designed show programme accompanies the production, thanks to support from a number of local businesses.
Stonelaw High thanks PTS Clean, Fitness Fashions, Castlemilk Relaxation Centre, Cambus Fencing and Garden Maintenance, Number One Nails ,Peroosh web.design. print and David Collie Photography.
Tickets to see the show are £6 for adults and £3 for children.
The parent council will be there selling refreshments and raffle tickets on the night of each performance.