TWO OF the contenders in next month’s Glenrothes by-election stopped off at the Kingdom Credit Union in Methilhill yesterday as their respective campaigns continued.

SNP candidate Peter Grant and Liberal Democrat Harry Wills met customers and staff at the Main Street office, where the cost of living and the effects of the economic crisis are highlighted daily.

Credit unions are becoming an increasingly-popular way of saving for the future as, unlike banks, they are not owned by shareholders but run collectively by members.

Mr Grant was first to arrive, at around noon, and was joined by Finance Secretary John Swinney, who presented prizes to children who had taken part in a colouring competition to mark International Credit Union Day.

Mr Grant praised the work of credit unions against a backdrop of soaring domestic energy costs and rising food bills.

He said, “For pensioners, whose incomes are fixed, this situation is clearly very serious—there is only so far that people can tighten their belts, and nobody should have to choose between having to heat or eat.

“Balancing household budgets is getting harder all the time, and more and more families need help making ends meet.

“In times where people are concerned about their money, credit unions offer a way to save locally in your own community.”

He said an SNP win “could force Westminster to act to the help pensioners and families who are struggling in the current economic climate.”

Mr Swinney added, “The SNP has already taken steps to put more money back in your pocket by freezing the council tax and starting work on scrapping it completely.

“The SNP wants to see action on rising prices and, by sending another SNP MP to Westminster, people in Fife can pressure Gordon Brown’s government to take action and provide help for hard-pressed local households.”

Mr Wills was next to visit, with Scottish Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott MSP and business spokesman John Thurso MP.

After meeting staff and customers, Mr Wills highlighted his party’s proposed 2p tax cut, which he claims would give local residents more than £300 back in their pockets.

“The response that this plan has received on the doorsteps has been overwhelming,” he added.

“Fifers are hurting now, and our governments are not doing enough to help.

“London Labour has presided over more than 100 tax increases since 1997 and they don’t have the answers.

“The SNP say they are keen to send a message to Westminster, to help Fife families, but forget that they have the tools to do this in the Scottish Parliament.

“The SNP are just sitting idly by—they don’t have the answers.

“The Liberal Democrats have the answers and we should work together to make this happen now.”

Mr Scott added, “What people need now more than ever is security; security for their investments and security for their savings.

“That is what they get from credit unions like this one.”