Time for Government to end spin and provide financial support to business in Wrexham and Flintshire

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Jun 2009

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales has today called on the Labour-Plaid Government to end the spin and provide real advice and financial assistance to new and small businesses in Flintshire and Wrexham.

Whilst people in other counties of North Wales can apply for funding to support the establishment of new businesses or to assist existing enterprises, no-one living in Wrexham or Flintshire can qualify for help from the Local Investment Fund or the Wales Co-operative Centre who help people estblish social enterprises.

Eleanor Burnham said " Over the last few months, I have received a considerable number of representations from constituents in Wrexham and Flintshire who have been made redundant and from others who are trying to establish their own businesses or seeking financial help during difficult times . They have seen the much heralded Government announcements but on making enquiries to the appropriate agencies are frustrated when they are told they do not qualify for any financial assistance because of where they live.

"Clearly it does not make any sense to promote assistance as Wales wide when the reality is far from the truth.

"It is high time that the Labour/Plaid Government stops misleading people and ensures policy in Wales is joined up to allow everyone living in Wales who seeks help from the Local Investment Fund or the Wales Co-operative Centre to have an equal chance"