Mixed Messages for Withernsea and Goole

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 31st Oct 1999

Diana Wallis, Lib Dem Euro-MP for Yorkshire and the Humber, has been lobbying the European Commission and the UK Government over the past few weeks in support of Withernsea, Hornsea and Goole.

The European Commission has indicated their support for all three areas.

"Since I first spoke to the European Commission about my concerns, there has been a lot of progress." Diana said,

"The Commission are raising very strong questions over the criteria that the UK Government has used to draw up the list of eligible areas. It has also now emerged that the Government's submission did not take up the full population allocation available to the UK.

"This is unbelievable. There is no reason why any deserving areas should be missing out in these circumstances.

"Last night, in the House of Commons, a Government Minister indicated that it was too late for Withernsea, Hornsea and Goole to be included in the map.

"I would take issue with that statement. The Government has until the end of the year to change its mind. Certainly the European Commission and myself would like them to do that."

Diana first met with European Commission Officials, who look after Euro-funding for the UK, days after the initial announcement was made last month.

Since that time her office has been in regular contact monitoring progress on the issue. She has also written to three UK Government Ministers.