LOCAL MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh has today published a new document, detailing how EU membership benefits her constituency.

The document, titled The Benefits of EU Membership to Ochil and South Perthshire, sets out a range of specific ways in which the EU has benefited local businesses, supported local jobs, and helped local community groups over the past few years.

As a result of £6million in Regional Selective Assistance grants to SMEs since 2010, more than 460 jobs have been created and 82 jobs were safeguarded in Ochil and South Perthshire.

The ESF provided a contribution of nearly £1m to Clackmannanshire Works 2011 in order to help more people get back into employment.

The MP said: “I’ll be voting to remain in the EU.

“Our membership of the European Union provides huge benefits for everyone in Scotland.

“The EU and its predecessors has kept Europe safe, supported international trade and local jobs, while also promoting and protecting the rights of workers and women in Scotland and beyond.

“But over and above these benefits, the EU has provided a range of specific benefits for people here in Ochil and South Perthshire. For example, last year local farmers in Perthshire, Kinross-shire and Clackmannanshire benefited from over £20 million in Rural Development Payments through the Common Agricultural Policy.

“Local Businesses like O-I Manufacturing in Clackmannanshire and the Strathearn Distillery in Methven have received grants from the EU to help them grow their business and protect jobs. EU funding has also supported local charities and community groups like the Comrie Development Trust and the Tillicoultry Allotment Association to develop their services to the community.

“Given the bluster and negativity surrounding the London-led campaigns over the past few months, I think local people here deserve the facts.

“I hope that this document will help positively inform voters as they prepare to cast their vote.”

People across the country are going to the polls to vote in the in/out referendum tomorrow. Keep an eye on the Advertiser website, Facebook and Twitter for live coverage from the count at Alloa Town Hall. Local results are expected sometime around 12.30am.