Julian Smith has expressed his disappointment following the announcement of the proposed closure of the Arla Foods site in Settle.
The closure, which is part of Arla's restructuring plan, will affect around 128 roles at the Settle site and and 24 at our Stourton Dairy site.
Arla has indicated that the decision is driven by the need for additional investment at their Lockerbie site, which has more space and capacity for expansion.
In response to this development, Julian has taken immediate action by writing to Peder Tuborgh, CEO of Arla Foods, and Richard Flinton, Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council.
Julian has emphasised his readiness to assist in any initiative that will protect jobs and support the affected employees.
Commenting, Julian stated,
"I am deeply disappointed by the proposed closure of the Arla site in Settle.
"My priority is to ensure that we explore all possible avenues to protect jobs affected by this decision.
"I stand ready to work with Arla, the council, and other stakeholders to mitigate the impact on our community."
The consultation process for the closure is set to begin with a meeting on 13 March 2025.

Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Family appeal for help finding cat after seven weeks missing in Gargrave
Man arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs in Skipton
£20m regeneration programme launched for Keighley
Skipton Three Peaks challenge raises £8,000 for dementia charity
Keighley shops can keep selling alcohol despite licences being revoked
Police search for Keighley man following Skipton burglary
Beer and Gin Festival returning to Glusburn this weekend
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens
Silsden care home launches appeal for handmade clothes protectors
Keighley named best town in Yorkshire for second year running
Long-running Skipton craft shop to close as owners retire
Airedale Seniors Collective celebrates successful Silsden gathering
Skipton fish and chip shop sponsors junior football team
64 arrests made in North Yorkshire Police's biggest ever operation
Skipton BID celebrates Silver Gilt success at Yorkshire in Bloom Awards
Skipton BID rejects claims town is struggling
Sugden End tip reopening approved after £400,000 funding row
Over 500 Afghans resettled in North Yorkshire as 23 households await new homes
Craven College students join campaign to reopen Skipton-Colne railway


