AN INVERKEITHING trader is calling for lower rents to help kickstart West Fife's high streets.

Pia Gradaus, who runs the Fife Farm Shop in the town, said: “Small, locally-owned businesses are the fabric of the community.

“They should be supported by the Fife council where possible – pounds spent locally make their way back into local services and support the local economy.

"The council and the government ought to force landlords to reduce rent in places with lots of empty shops to encourage small businesses and help reinvigorate the high street.”

As the Press reported last week, self-employment rates in the Kingdom are above the national average, with North Queensferry, Limekilns and Aberdour among the best performers.

The figures were revealed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and have been welcomed by Douglas Chapman MP.

But he believes Fife Council can do more to encourage people to start their own business.

He said: “Out of all the places in the Kingdom scoring on or above the national average, 40 per cent are in West Fife. That’s a good figure to have.

“The SBS findings show that self-employment thrives in resilient local economies.

"I echo its call for Fife Council to lease their vacant properties for free to local business start-ups, and do more to promote entrepreneurship across the Kingdom.”