`Deprived' village gets pounds 300,000 pub

CHURCH LEADERS yesterday joined politicians in condemning the decision to spend almost pounds 300,000 of public funds on Scotland's first "council pub".

With seven pubs, a bowling club, a social club and a Masonic Hall to serve a population of just 5,099, the Fife village of Cardenden has one licensed premises for every 500 people. But Fife Council, the European Regional Development Fund, Community Business Fife and Fife College have clubbed together to bring the inhabitants another watering hole.

Critics insist the cash could have been put to better use to fight deprivation in the area.

Mgr Tom Connolly, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said: "I am disappointed that alcohol seems to be the driving force here when there is so little in the way of education and leisure facilities for young people."

The pub, called Goth Number O, was originally one of hundreds of Gothenburg pubs run by the community for the community in mining villages all over Scotland.

Following the Gothenburg tradition, all profits from the sale of alcohol and food will be spent in the local community.