Put Mac back on the map says Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 11/07/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire AM, Mick Bates, has slammed the government for failing to secure assistance for businesses in Powys.

New maps showing which part of Wales will be able to receive business support from the Assembly government confirm that most of Powys will miss out.   The "assisted areas" maps are published by the DTI which decides which parts of the UK will qualify.

Commenting Mick, said: "This map shows that the Labour Assembly Government has failed to make a strong enough case for rural Wales to benefit.

"Powys has some of the worst figures in terms of wages, yet the bulk of the county will miss out on vital support for businesses. The Welsh Assembly Government needs to battle with DTI for the areas to be included in the map.  At the moment there is no assistance in Powys bar in Ystradgynlais.

"The previous map had Machynlleth on it, and for good reason.  Machynlleth needs to go back on the map, and I will be pushing the Labour Assembly Government to do so.  I have written to the Minister in the strongest terms urging him to work with his Westminster colleges to get Machynlleth back on the map where it belongs.

Notes:

The DTI maps and related information can be seen at:

 http://www.dti.gov.uk/regional/assisted-areas/assisted-areas-review/page24618.html