The announcement today of the latest round of Enterprise Zones has brought the great news that Northampton has been included in the latest list of areas to get funding and government support.

”This is great news for Northampton, but its also great news for South Northants too. This success will enable more people to work locally and bring new opportunities for businesses, both local and national. This will give another reason to locate businesses in Northampton. Making Northamptonshire even more attractive to businesses.The plan which it is hoped will create around 17’000 new jobs will be a massive boost to the local economy”

said Scott Collins, Parliamentary Spokesman for South Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats.

This success comes as a direct result of the formation of the SEMLEP partnership with surrounding councils which was driven by the Northampton Liberal Democrats along with Lib Dem councils in Milton Keynes and Bedford in the face of massive opposition from Northamptonshire Conservatives both on Northampton Borough Council and more worryingly the Conservative County Council.

The County Councils Conservative administartion were so adamant in their opposition to the SEMLEP plan they spent £2M of tax payers money on setting up their own partnership to rival the SEMLEP group.

Richard Church, Liberal Democrats Shadow Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and a key participant in the setting up of SEMLEP sais today

“The Conservatives’ Northamptonshire Economic Partnership has a budget costing hard pressed Northamptonshire tax- payers £2m a year, and the only jobs created so far are associated with their office in Brussels. Meanwhile SEMLEP cost Northampton taxpayers a few thousand, and is expected to create 17,000 jobs. I know which is a better deal for local people. I suspect the Conservatives do too. That’s why I’m calling on the Conservative Leader to join the winning team and back SEMLEP.”

Scott Commenting said “I completely agree with Richards comments, Common sense must prevail. WHy continue to object to a partnership which is now a recognised sucess for Northampton and Northamptonshire”.