£3m windfall for town centres is divided six ways

Dec 3 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

COUNCIL chiefs have agreed how £3 million is to be spent to revamp West Lothian’s town centres.

West Lothian was recently given a total of £2.345 million from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund, with the council contributing a further £700,000.

And this week, West Lothian Council’s Executive committee agreed how much money will be allocated to Armadale, Broxburn/ Uphall, Whitburn, Linlithgow and Almondvale in Livingston, to support the regeneration and growth of town centres.

The council has approved spending for Armadale of £353,374; Broxburn/Uphall £467,264; Whitburn £376,114; Linlithgow £857,770 and Almondvale £230,777.

Funding for Bathgate has already been confirmed at £860,000, which includes an extra £100,000 from business improvement district company, Enterprising Bathgate.

Consultation on exactly how the money will be spent will now be carried out with the relevant local area committees, town centre management groups and other interested groups, such as Enterprising Bathgate.

Council leader, Peter Johnston, said: “I’m pleased to confirm exactly how much each of the six towns in West Lothian will receive for improvements.

“West Lothian received the highest grant of any local authority which, coupled with money from the council and Enterprising Bathgate, will go a long way to develop and promote our traditional town centres.

“Traditional town centres are important to the heritage and economy of West Lothian, especially during a recession, and it’s fair to say that over the years they have been allowed to deteriorate.

“This massive investment will help reinvigorate them and bring them back to life.”

The money will be spent on projects including:

Improvements in town centre connections and accessibility including, streetscape, pedestrian walkways, cycle routes and signage improvements.

Public realm improvements including the enhancement and creation of civic spaces, lighting and street furniture enhancements.

Retail support such as shop front improvement schemes.