Will Our High Streets See Any Of The Town Regeneration Fund?
April 20, 2009 1:13 PM
Jim Hume MSP
Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today reacted to news that the Scottish Government's town regeneration fund worth £60 million could be hijacked by major cities rather than being targeted at Scotland's high streets most in need of investment.
Jim said: "The South of Scotland with its many small enterprises could benefit greatly from regeneration investment, but this will be difficult to achieve if bigger cities submit multiple applications.
"It's right and proper that the fund should be targeted towards high streets most struggling with the effects of the recession. Indeed, that was the original purpose of the fund.
"In my view there was a lack of foresight when the £60 million deal was being thrashed out between the Tories and the Government during the budget negotiations.
"There should have been detailed scrutiny of what was being proposed at the time so that the interests of the small market town or high street were protected.
"The result now is that areas most in need of investment could face stiff competition and in the worst case scenario, miss out on much needed finance.
"With banks unwilling to lend, the Government must make sure that ailing high streets across the South of Scotland see a fair share of the money."
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