Local MP puts coalfield areas back on the map

Sandra Osborne MP has welcomed today's Government announcement that local coalfield areas have secured a place on the UK's new Assisted Areas map.  Required by EU regulations, this map identifies the areas which will be eligible to receive financial support from government and local authorities over the next 7 years in the form of regional aid to businesses to promote jobs. 

Sandra explained:
"Although East Ayrshire fared reasonably well overall under the Government's original Assisted Area proposals, I was very concerned that the coalfield area seemed to have been removed from the draft map in its entirety. The loss of Assisted Area status would have had serious implications for the future of these communities. I have worked very closely with colleagues on East Ayrshire Council for some time on this issue. During the summer I held a personal meeting with Margaret Hodge MBE MP, Minister of State for the Regions at Department for Trade & Industry, to make sure that the needs of the local community were heard at the highest levels of Government. I am delighted to see that this effort has born fruit and that areas such as Cumnock, Auchinleck, Ochiltree and Netherthird now appear on the final map. A number of companies in these areas have the potential to grow and develop. Existing and proposed industrial estates also present opportunities to attract new employers. Assisted Area status will help authorities to support expansion proposals, to encourage new investment in the area, and to develop the jobs we need to support the sustainable regeneration of our local communities.”