DUMFRIES and Galloway Pensioners for Independence (DGPI) is calling on the UK Government to take steps to reverse population trends in their region.
After carrying out a survey on local rural depopulation, the group found that half of the grandchildren of people in Dumfries and Galloway were being raised outside Scotland.
READ MORE: Yessers invited to share their views on the Growth Commission
The latest available statistics showed that the 15-19 age group was the only one to decline in the region, with a net migration of 225 people in 2016.
DGPI said: “The recent blows to employment opportunities in the region are only one factor and while Westminster continues to pour money into projects such as crossrail and HS2 to fuel the overheated South of England, communities such as ours are blighted.
“Dumfries and Galloway Pensioners for Independence calls upon the UK Government to ensure that public money is spent across the board and that economic drivers such as communications and training opportunities are delivered equally.”
The region voted 66% to 34% for No in 2014, but DGPI was formed to prepare for a second independence referendum.
They say they launched to inform discussion about issues during the independence debate, particularly those which are of interest to people at or approaching retirement age.
“We are not aligned to any political party,” they said.
“We believe that power in the hands of the Scottish people is in the best interests of all its people.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel