Locals say that Cowdenbeath’s community must be heard when it comes to the closure of Exxonmobil’s Mossmorran site.
“Nothing about us, without us”, is the rallying cry of one displeased group.
Director of My Cowdenbeath CIC, Stuart Duffy said: “We are encouraged that early work has been done to establish the taskforce, but were disappointed there were no attendees from the local community invited. We’ve asked for this to change moving forward.
“The impact of the closure, with a gradual winding down from April 2026 will inevitably have an impact on the local economy, so we’re asking for measures and investment to support local growth.”
The body has now launched a survey on the matter, which is open until December 19.
It asks respondents to comment on how the UK and Scottish Governments should mitigate impacts.
Mr Duffy continued: “We all know the area suffered as a result of the mines closing many years ago, and there’s been a real lack of a coherent industrial strategy for the area, so we want to see action, not talk.
“Poverty has a grip in so many of our neighbourhoods across the wider Cowdenbeath area, so we hope that with the attention and focus on the Mossmorran closure, this could lead to a proper conversation about what the area needs.
“Lots of work has gone into the various Local Place Plans across our communities, with the Cowdenbeath plan due to be published in the new year. Any forthcoming investment must take account of these local priorities so people feel their area is improving and prospects for jobs and a positive future are within reach.”
It was just last month that the multinational company announced it would be pulling out of the huge chemical plant, putting 179 jobs directly at risk, along with 250 contractors.
On Wednesday, December 17, MPs will have a chance to question ExxonMobil’s UK Chairman. Paul Greenwood will face the Scottish Affairs Committee during a one-off evidence session at Westminster.
He’s previously blamed UK-wide policy for the decision to pack up and leave, saying that the venture lacks a cheap and abundant supply of ethane, along with low-cost operations, and good market prices for ethylene.
Meanwhile, Labour have pointed to closures of ExxonMobil sites in Singapore and France as evidence that Starmer’s administration is not to blame.
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