SMITH CALLS ON GOVERNMENT FOR CLARITY ON ACCESS TO TOWN CENTRE FUND

5.00.00pm GMT Thu 12th Feb 2009

North East Fife's MSP Iain Smith is calling on the Scottish Government to clarify how local communities can access the "new" Town Centre Regeneration Fund. To date is it not clear how to apply for funds through this scheme that is unlikely to be available until autumn 2009.

Mr Smith said:

"Liberal Democrats are pressing the Government for more details on how local communities can access the Town Centre Regeneration fund as there is no clear information about how funds will be allocated, what sort of projects will be eligible, what the bidding process will be and when more details will be available. Indeed in his summing up speech to Parliament, John Swinney said that it would not be brought forward until the Autumn Budget Revision, so it may not be until the end of the year that we are any clearer.

"It is very important to point out that this in reality only goes some way to replace the Scottish Enterprise regeneration funding axed by the SNP with the support of the Conservatives which has hit vital projects in North East Fife like West Sands and Market Street."

Mr Smith is currently arranging meetings with the Association of Businesses in Cupar & District (ABC) and St Andrews Merchants Association to discuss how the economic situation is affecting business and what actions they would like to see to support local business.

ENDS