Don't let Anglesey become an island of closures

IN THE aftermath of 300 jobs being lost at Anglesey Aluminium, MP Albert Owen has called on the Island’s moves and shakers to “pull their fingers out”. The end of aluminium production on the site next month will see more quality jobs lost on Ynys Mon, and Mr Owen wants to see the region’s economy granted special status in a bid to encourage future investment. He said: “Over the last two years I know there has been a recession across this country and the world but a number of quality jobs have gone on Anglesey, with Eastman Peboc and now Anglesey Aluminium. The Island MP believes that Wylfa B could be used as a catalyst to stimulate economic development, and has stressed the urgency of an action plan to do just that, although the ?48 million rescue package rejected by aluminium bosses will not be reallocatedfor such a purpose. He added: “All the talk on the Island is about closure, and I don’t want Anglesey to be the island of closure. “I am worried that if we don’t raise confidence and fill those gaps, many families may leave – it’s imperative now that everyone involved pulls their fingers out.” Anglesey Council’s economic development portfolio holder Bryan Owen said: “I agree with Albert Owen that we need to sit down around a table with the politicians and business community and find a way to bring in employers.” “I don’t think Anglesey is the Island of closure; it’s up to people like Albert Owen to go to the government and ask them to come up with the goods instead of us having to cutyear in, year out. “We’ve been told by the financial director over the next two years to find ?10 million – ten per cent of our budget.”