CASH to regenerate the centre of Dumbarton is the best news the town has had in a long time.

That was the reaction of Dorothy Heron, secretary of Dumbarton East and Central Community Council, following last week’s announcement that the UK Government had awarded £19.9 million to West Dunbartonshire Council to buy and regenerate the centre – including its partial demolition – as part of a programme of major works to improve the centre of the town.

The money, from the Levelling Up Fund, will also be put towards plans to turn Glencairn House on the High Street into a library and museum for the town and to improve links between the High Street and Dumbarton Central railway station.

Ms Heron told the Reporter: “Dumbarton town centre is now showing its age and the High Street, with so many empty shops, is in desperate need of attention.

“WDC applied for funding through the UK Levelling Up programme and having been successful in being awarded nearly £20m to demolish and replace the town centre, that can only be the best news we’ve heard for our town in a long time.

“This is a challenge for the council and we wish them well in the task ahead. It will take time but the end result can only be an improvement. Hopefully the traders in the town centre will be offered suitable premises to continue their business.”

Damon Scott, the chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is really great news for one of our main town centres in West Dunbartonshire.

“This investment offers an important opportunity to make transformative changes and much needed improvements at a time when high streets across the UK are facing a number of challenges.

“A better environment, increased connectivity and building the critical mass are central to the regeneration of Dumbarton. They are all elements that will help drive additional footfall and make Dumbarton a more attractive place for businesses to locate and invest in.”

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said she looked forward to seeing the “long-awaited transformation”.

She added: “This funding announcement is the reward for years of fighting to get our town centre the support that it needs.

“I commend council officers who have worked with the Town Centre Regeneration Forum to transform the town and welcome these proposals.

“I have joined local people in calling for a much needed improvements to the town centre to make Dumbarton an even better place to live, shop and socialise in. The changes to the Artizan Centre will make a positive difference to the area.

“It is now important that these funds are released quickly and that any project has local people at its heart. I look forward to this long-awaited transformation taking place.”

Meanwhile, West Scotland Conservative MSP Pam Gosal said she was “delighted” at the announcement.

Ms Gosal said: “This £20m investment package from Rishi Sunak is wonderful news for Dumbarton.

“This funding will revitalise the Artizan Shopping Centre and give the town centre a new lease of life.

“I’m delighted to see West Dunbartonshire securing investment under the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and this announcement demonstrates the benefits we derive from being part of the UK.”