Stevenson Encourages Banff & Buchan Applications As Town Centre Regeneration Fund Opens

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has called upon groups across Banff & Buchan to apply for a share of £60 million that has been put in place to regenerate Scotland’s high streets. A wide range of bodies including local authorities, Community Planning Partnerships, business Improvement Districts, Town Centre Managers, local Chambers of Commerce, businesses and third sector groups are eligible to apply.

There will be two opportunities to submit applications for consideration. The first deadline date is June 1, 2009 with decisions on applications expected by the end of July. A second assessment round for applications received after June 1 and before August 21 will also take place. Results of this round should be known in October 2009.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund is now open for applications. In these difficult economic times, the fund has the potential to make a real difference to Banff & Buchan’s high streets, the beating hearts of our towns.

“I hope that the fund will receive a wide range of bids from local groups in Banff & Buchan and that this money will help secure the economic futures of our towns.

“With schemes like this and the small business bonus, the Scottish Government is working hard to help our communities cope with the economic problems that they currently face. Our high streets and the small businesses on them are vital to local economies and we are determined to give them all the support we can during these difficult times”.