Obree film-maker hits out at council

The producer of a (pounds) 3.2 million film starring Jonny Lee Miller as the Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree, which begins shooting in Ayrshire next month, has hit out at the champion's local council for refusing to back him.

North Ayrshire Council, headquartered in Obree's home town of Irvine, was asked for (pounds) 7000 after producer Peter Broughan raised all but (pounds) 28,000 of the money needed to make the film. He applied to North, South and East Ayrshire councils, and the local enterprise company, for a few thousand pounds each.

On Friday he was told North Ayrshire would not be putting up the cash, and he is still waiting to hear from the others. South Ayrshire put (pounds) 5000 into developing the film in 1997.

Broughan brought millions to the Scots economy when he produced Rob Roy in 1995. He said yesterday: "It's a national disgrace. Given what Graeme Obree has given his part of the world I would have thought it would have been a small recognition on behalf of the council of his home town."

If Broughan cannot raise the money he will take it from his own wages for the film.

Obree, who built his bike from washing machine parts, began breaking world records in 1993 and won the 1995 World Cup.

Yesterday, North Ayrshire convener Samuel Taylor said he had not been made aware of Broughan's bid. "I'm an admirer of Obree and I believe the film should be made, so I shall make enquiries on Monday as to why this has been turned down."

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