WHAT news! as we see the Times headline 'Sadness as talks start on job losses', (October 1).
Following the announcement of the Scottish company's decision to scale down milk operation's at Okehampton, is it not a good time and an opportunity for West Devon Borough Council, together with Okehampton Town Council, to tell the Government and developers that it is pointless to press for more house building near to the plant when there is a clear example on the doorstep, so to speak, of job losses?
To encourage people to move here with little prospect of work will only create more problems in the community and is nothing short of senseless.
The facts are here. Knock the local economy with the loss of jobs and that leaves a town/community questioning whether loyalty, a two-way principle, ever exists. However, perhaps if the true facts were explained one would find that companies are often encouraged to run down one operation, move and relocate to help bring benefits and savings of money to the accounts bottom line.That's business today we are told!
Sadly, such plans and thinking is not clever when jobs are required to support families. I read elsewhere that restructuring of a major company is usually important in the interest of banks, shareholders and for the purpose of maintaining profit.
Readers can make what they like of all this as the country, including Okehampton it seems, faces more difficult times and the word 'restructuring' is being conveniently used.
Finally, as an independent observer of local matters, I only wish it was possible to provide a more positive view on employment for the sake of young people and their families, especially as we approach Christmas.
Donald Bibey
Okemoor Park
Okehampton