Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for Midlothian Keith Cockburn says they will lobby the UK Government for funding to revitalise town centres, if elected at the General Election on July 4th.
Keith Cockburn says towns such as Penicuik and Dalkeith in Midlothian are struggling and need major investment to boost them.
If elected Keith will call for a dedicated 'Save our Town Centres fund' from the UK Government which would deliver funding directly to Midlothian and supplement the funding they already receive.
UK Government levelling up funding has already delivered millions for communities across Scotland and Keith Cockburn says this fund would allow councils to take "positive" measures to support town centres such as Penicuik and Dalkeith.
That could include scrapping rates for struggling businesses or getting rid of parking charges.
Keith Cockburn added that the SNP Government must work with the UK Government on the fund and they should also deliver their own support for town centres, such as finally passing on rates relief and ruling out any plans to introduce a workplace car park tax.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Keith Cockburn said: "Town centres such as Penicuik and Dalkeith are struggling and need major investment to ensure they remain a vibrant hub of the local community in Midlothian.
"If I am fortunate enough to be elected as MP for Midlothian on July 4th, then I will be lobbying the UK Government for a dedicated Save our Town Centres fund.
"That money will go directly to Midlothian Council to spend on our town centres and supplement what councils already receive.
"Councils could use it to scrap rates for struggling businesses in Midlothian or remove parking charges in our town centres.
"The UK Government's Levelling Up funding has already delivered for communities across Scotland and I would fight for more.
"The SNP Government must work with the UK Government over this fund and also do their own bit to support town centres such as Penicuik and Dalkeith by passing on the rates relief available to firms in England or ruling out any plans to introduce a car park tax at workplaces.
"In key seats up and down Scotland, only the Scottish Conservatives can beat the SNP on July 4th, end their independence obsession for good, and get the focus onto people's real priorities like supporting our town centres."
