Town Centre Plans Criticised

Lib Dem MSPs have hit out at a Scottish Government plan to revitalise high streets.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats claim the Scottish Government's committment to localism is 'purely cosmetic.' MSPs have attacked the SNP's record on protecting public services in town centres. Jim Hume has criticised the 'Town Centre First' principle which encourages public bodies such as Police Scotland to consider the consequences of removing town centre facilities before final decisions on closures are taken.

Mr Hume MSP said:

"Any move to protect services in our towns is to be welcomed but it is rich for the SNP to claim that they are encouraging the public sector to invest in town centres.

"This is a government that has overseen the withdrawal of key Police services and courts from communities around Scotland. They have centralised control over front line Fire control centres and often it seems like they will take power away from town halls at every opportunity.

"Their commitment to localism seems purely cosmetic.

"The withdrawal of these key public services from towns has not happened despite the SNP's reforms. It is the direct consequence of the decisions they have taken in government."

Meanwhile, Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay has defended the plan and is calling on public bodies to sign up to the new Town Centre First Principle.

"Our town centres should be vibrant, attractive and safe places where local people want to spend their time and money.

"The Scottish Government made a commitment to recognise and prioritise the importance of town centres in our Town Centre Action Plan last year, and we are taking this one step further by introducing the Town Centre First Principle, and asking all public bodies to sign up.

"The Principle will encourage public bodies to put the health of town centres first and consider what impact any investment decisions, will have on them. In particular, when it comes to investment, public bodies adopting the principle are requested to consider town centre locations first, and look beyond immediate pressures when they are making decisions about closing a town centre facility.

"We understand that for some businesses or services the town centre may not be a suitable location, but in signing up to the Principle, public bodies will make sure the rationale for locating elsewhere is evidenced and transparent.

"By working in partnership with local authorities, the wider public sector, private and community organisations, we can ensure our town centres are vibrant and are a focal point for the community."