Published: Tuesday, 11th November, 2008 09:30
Regeneration boost
By Ewan McInnes
Print Article
A TREASURE chest of £30m could be made available for the regeneration of rundown communities in Dumbarton and the Vale.
Scottish Government officials met with the council on Friday to thrash out how money could be allocated across the area.
And SNP councillor Craig McLaughlin says the sky is the limit as to how much West Dunbartonshire could access.
He told the Reporter: “We can’t let the grass grow under our feet.
“The key thing is that the funding is open to every council in Scotland, but not every council is as prepared or in the position we are.
“The council is in this position because of the emphasis it has put on regeneration and projects could potentially start in January, as long as all the criteria is met.”
A recent report to the council placed eight areas in Dumbarton and the Vale in a priority list of 15 places most in need of regeneration.
Bellsmyre charted third in the list as the Dumbarton area most in need of a revamp.
No decision is expected on the cash until communities are asked their thoughts as to how it should be splashed.
A Government spokeswoman said: “Our official had a positive meeting with West Dunbartonshire Council on Friday.
“This offers the basis for the Scottish Government to support key regeneration areas in West Dunbartonshire.
“We are looking forward to working with the council to create a masterplan to map out how to take this process forward.”
For the full story see this week's Reporter....
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Christmas songs played to sharks