Stuart Duffy, Director at community-led regeneration group My Cowdenbeath said:
“We’re shocked by this news and there will be a huge ripple effect as a result of Exxon’s decision today.
“Firstly we send our thoughts to those workers affected by the sudden announcement of this closure of the plant, both as Exxon workers but also in the many local suppliers who are also affected by the decision.
“We trust that our Governments will work together swiftly to introduce a package of measures to ensure these skilled workers have opportunities elsewhere and call on industry leaders to engage with Unions and the workforce affected to ensure nobody is out of work when the plant does eventually close.
“People in Cowdenbeath will have mixed feelings about the plant closure – Exxon and Shell have been our close neighbours for over 40 years, with neighbourhoods displaced in 1981 to make way for the plant opening in 1985. We’ve looked onto those steaming towers for such a long time, they’ve become part of the landscape.
“But for decades the plant has been a major nuisance for local people, with light pollution, noise, vibration and obviously flaring contributing to a feeling that the plant needed to cease production, not to mention the major contribution it makes to Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s true that Exxon have contributed to community life in Cowdenbeath and the surrounding area over many decades, especially in STEM and apprenticeships, which should be acknowledged and appreciated, and we hope local leaders can commit to invest to continue this training and skills work in Cowdenbeath. However we are sad that Exxon’s investment in community initiatives has reduced over the years, but want to say thanks to their many volunteers who have helped in the local community.
“Ultimately we feel Mossmorran has not lived up to its initial promise of thousands of local jobs and a community benefit windfall. The plant has been a source of significant pain and disruption in the lives of many, many local people, so we acknowledge that some will breathe a sigh of relief at this news today, but share in the anxiety for its workers and suppliers.
“We now expect swift action from our Governments, from Fife Council and other local stakeholders to engage with local people in Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Crossgates, Hill of Beath, Lumphinnans and Auchtertool, to understand the full impact and to work with locals to develop a strategy for renewal in these places who are calling out for urgent investment.“
My Cowdenbeath CIC 