A FALMOUTH councillor has questioned how the Government chose which towns in Cornwall will benefit from new funding, saying that it was political and not based on need.

The Government announced last week that four towns in Cornwall – Penzance, St Ives, Camborne and Truro – had been added to those which will benefit from its £3.6billion Towns Fund.

However the announcement took some by surprise as two of the places chosen to get the cash boost were not on a shortlist submitted by Cornwall Council for funding.

This has led to suggestions that Boris Johnson’s government has chosen the locations in order to gain favour ahead of a general election.

Labour councillor Jayne Kirkham said she was “confused and frustrated” by the announcement and there were other towns in Cornwall which were more in need than some of those selected.

She said: “I was frustrated and confused by the four choices for money from the Government’s towns fund, particularly Truro and St Ives that weren’t even on the original shortlist supported by Cornwall Council using the Future High Streets Fund criteria.

“All four choices are in the three marginal constituencies in Cornwall and considering the timing, this looks like political factors may have been at play in the decision. For example, Newquay and St Austell were the other two towns supported by the council next to Penzance and Camborne. It seems odd on any criteria that St Ives and Truro would have come out as more needy of investment. I would like to see the criteria the Government used to make this decision.”

The Falmouth councillor also said her own town would have found any funding “invaluable”.

She said: “I represent the centre of Falmouth. In the last couple of years Falmouth town centre has suffered a major hit due to a five-year programme of works on the high street and the loss of Marks & Spencer and Cooks that has adversely affected Market Street and the Moor. Our MP Sarah Newton was involved herself in negotiations with Marks & Spencer and is well aware of the numerous empty premises in Falmouth now.

“The traders have to cope with very high rents in Falmouth. Most of our high street is privately owned and inflexible with rent revaluations. The Government’s business rates valuation office has been incredibly unhelpful to Falmouth traders who are trying to get their business rates re-evaluated in light of the major works in the town. Some assistance to Falmouth at this vital tipping point would have been invaluable.”

People on social media also reacted to the announcement and questioned the towns which had been chosen.

Geraldine Mulgrew wrote: “We the people of Redruth are still here we haven’t disappeared, but sadly we seem to be overlooked all the time. We do need help in our town. We are proud to live here as a lot of history relates to this town. Truro seems to be the place that gets everything and the people of Cornwall are fed up that Truro always gets priority. Please give other towns a chance.”

Karen Tomlinson said: “Why St Ives? it’s one of most the richest places in Cornwall. Not sure I agree with Truro either.”

And Jane Willis added: “St Austell is a must we need it badly, most shops have closed down we need something to attract people to our town please.”

Rob Hamblett asked: “Surprised to St Ives on the list. Maybe I’m wrong, but surely it’s one the busiest and richest areas in Cornwall?”

Kate King replied: “I was thinking the same. It doesn’t suffer from a lack of shops or people using the town around the whole year. It’s so busy in the summer season that it’s hard to even get into the place. Certainly doesn’t sound like a place that needs investment.”