Will Center Parcs boost this region?

TALKS are taking place to assess if there are employment and economic benefits for the Langholm and Canonbie areas from a major tourism development in the Scottish Borders. The main focus of an online discussion scheduled for this week is on Center Parcs’ proposals for a 700-lodge holiday park at Huntlaw, near Hawick, which, subject to approval, is estimated could eventually create up to 1200 permanent jobs. Although the location is 28 miles from Langholm, there are suggestions the development could create job opportunities and a tourism boost for the Eskdale area whilst increasing traffic on the A7 trunk route and other local roads. The talks were set up by Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell and local councillor Denis Male with other elected representatives, community groups in the Langholm area and senior executives from Center Parcs. Mr Mundell said: “The Centre Parcs project has potential to have a significant impact across a wide area of southern Scotland and I think it is prudent at this early stage to examine the opportunities and any issues there might be for the Langholm and Canonbie areas. “I’m equally aware of the proposals by Buccleuch Estates for more than 140 lodges as part of a holiday park envisaged at Irvine House, Canonbie, which could also create jobs and economic growth.” Cllr Male added: “It is important with both these projects that we seize what opportunities are available to see if we can use them to advance the much-needed regeneration of the valley. “It is important that our young people looking for employment and other job seekers are made aware of any opportunities.”