Housing Shortage

Dec 24 2009 West Lothian Courier

In response to Mr Smart's letter to the Courier December 10 the situation in West Lothian is that there is an acute shortage of suitable affordable housing for large numbers of people in our society.

In particular, this applies to many vulnerable young single people.

Bethany Christian Trust have over a number of years provided much needed supported housing in Broxburn and West Calder which has been effectively and efficiently run.

With the closure of the former council run Young Person’s Centre in Race Road and the moving of that service to Whitburn an opportunity has arisen to use a purpose-built building to continue to provide supported housing to young single people in the Bathgate area.

While I understand the potential concerns of the local community, we have been at pains to inform the community about what is going on and in partnership with the Bethany Christian Trust have given local people the opportunity to become involved and have a voice in the operation of the building.

I am confident that after the building has been refurbished it will offer much needed housing to a small number of young people in our community.

I hope that Mr Smart will be willing to give the new facility a chance and perhaps contribute positively to its success.

Peter Johnston Leader of the Council