Published: Tuesday, 2nd February, 2010 2:00pm

Appeal is thrown out

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BOARDED UP:The town centre is in need of regeneration

DUMBARTON'S flagging town centre was given a much-needed boost on Friday when a planning appeal to build more shops at St James' Retail Park was rejected.

Henry Lax Ltd had submitted the appeal to the Scottish Government after West Dunbartonshire Council rejected the initial planning application.

In the report, the Government reporter - Dannie Onn - rules the claim by the developers that the proposals would have encouraged other retailers to the town centre were "implausible" and the retail park and town centre were "too distinct to be part of the same destination".

Although the news will be music to the ears of struggling town centre business owners, the reporter did point out that the decision to reject the appeal would not be the key factor in the town centre's regeneration.

Business for Dumbarton spokesman Robert Ryan was delighted with the news.

He told the Reporter: "On behalf of business for Dumbarton we are delighted at the decision and pleased that the judgement takes on board some of the objections we made to the appeal."

Both Dumbarton East and Central and Silverton and Overtoun Community Councils have written to WDC about the number of boarded up shops.

The letter states: "[There are] too many boarded up shops and buildings, drab and unkempt council-owned buildings, litter and a general mood of depression and neglect.

"With minimum investment this whole area could be brightened, cleaned and smartened up to give the appearance of there being a pride in our town and optimism for the future."