A £1m Government boost for a Worcestershire market town is a "stunt" which fails to address the real problems, according to mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff.

The MP said he was extremely cynical about John Prescott's announcement yesterday to plough cash into market towns.

Under the initiative, Evesham and Bewdley are set to receive £1m over the next three years to increase job opportunities, restore high streets, improve transport links and encourage small business start-ups.

In total 43 market towns nationally are to receive aid money as part of measures outlined in the Rural White paper last year.

But the Tory MP said although he welcomed anything which helped rejuvenate Evesham, he was suspicious about the timing of the announcement.

"I support the rejuvenation of market towns, so, subject to its details, I welcome the funding," he said.

"But I've not been told where the money is going and that is going be the real test."

Mr Luff said the cash failed to address the problems being created by what he called the Government's "centralisation policy".

"This Government has undermined the fabric of Evesham so I'm cynical about the announcement. This is a stunt which isn't addressing the town's fundamental problems," he said.

But David Lock, Labour MP for Wyre Forest, said the money showed the Government's pledge to help those living in rural areas, and denied it was a pre-election stunt.

"I made strong representations to the Government about the problems being suffered by people in Bewdley after the floods and recent foot and mouth epidemic," he said.

"This is very good news which is only possible due to a strong economy.

"The foot-and-mouth crisis and flooding was not something created by the Government to fit in with the election, so its response to the problems should be welcomed by everyone."