Bridgend trailing in European funding stakes says Assembly Member

7.51.53am GMT Fri 12th Jan 2007

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has called on the Welsh Enterprise Minister to ensure that Bridgend does much better in the final round of European funding following the publication of figures that show the area trailing the rest of Wales in terms of the amount of money it received from Europe over the last seven years.

Mr. Black was speaking after it was revealed that the area got a quarter of the per capita funding available to Gwynedd in North Wales and significantly less than any of the other 14 Council areas in the Objective One area. Gwynedd received £613 for each of its residents compared to £155 for Bridgend. Anglesey received £560 per head, Blaenau Gwent £522, Neath Port Talbot £510, Merthyr Tydfil £415 and Swansea £363.

"This uneven distribution of funds is very worrying and raises significant questions about how the money was allocated," said Mr. Black. "Bridgend has some of the most deprived areas in Wales, and needs substantial investment if we are to put that situation right in a reasonable period of time."

"It is vital that the Economic Development Minister ensures that the area does not lose out again in the final funding round from Europe.."