Part of Hall’s cash goes to set up new food hub

Published on 28/01/2013 12:00

CASH from a recovery package aimed at helping with the closure of Hall’s of Broxburn will go towards a new food and drink research hub.

The money will also be used to speed up work on a junction on the M9.

The package, being signed off by West Lothian Council’s executive committee tomorrow, includes £2 million to fund a working group responsible for setting up the food park.

A total of £29m has been set aside in the rescue plan, which is largely funded by economic development body Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish government.

A portion of £15m from the package will be spent trying to bring forward Winchburgh’s proposed M9 junction, which is still in the planning stages.

Grants totalling £4m will also be up for grabs to developing companies in West Lothian looking to create more jobs.

Short-term employment courses covering areas such as customer care and retail skills which will be run from West Lothian College is another initiative.