'The most important decision for Dumfries in recent memory'
Dumfries is set to receive a multimillion-pound investment over the next decade.
Last updated 1st Feb 2024
Councillors are keen to hear what the people living in Dumfries would like to spend the huge government investment on within the town.
Once a new town board has been set up, Dumfries is set to receive 20 million pounds over the course of 10 years that will improve the local area.
At the Dumfries and Galloway Council’s economy and resources committee on Tuesday, it was stressed that it’s paramount to hear what the community want the funding to be spent on.
North West Dumfries Councillor Andy Ferguson says they should have their say:
“It should be a public decision on how this money is spent and we should do everything in our power to make sure that the public have that say in how it is allocated and spent.”
He went on to say that this is a crucial task for the town:
“This is probably the most important decision for Dumfries in recent living memory.”
So far, it’s been proposed that the investment should be used focusing on themes such as safety and security, and heritage and regeneration.
No spendings can commence until councillors, MPs and MSPs have found someone to chair the new town board.
A deadline has been set for April 1st by the UK government for the council to assemble and host their first body meeting to discuss how the money should be spent.
The council then have until August 1st to submit a long-term detailed financial plan highlighting how they’d like to spend the money.
In order to receive the investment, their bid needs to be approved to receive the funding.
Dumfries is one of seven Scottish towns to benefit from this project.