MSP welcomes funding boost for Clydesdale’s town centres

Last month, councillors agreed to inject £500,000 to fund projects in six towns across South Lanarkshire – including proposals from Carluke, Forth and Carnwath.

Speaking after the funding was rubber-stamped, Ms Campbell said: “We know that communities are best placed to lead their towns through the recovery from the pandemic, and to meet the aspirations of their people.

“This regeneration funding enables the delivery of a wide range of locally-developed projects to be made into reality.

“We want to go beyond rebuilding – our aim is to help drive the social and economic renewal necessary to achieve the best future for Clydesdale and Scotland.

“The funding awards for our communities is very positive news and we look forward to now continuing the work of regeneration.”

Carluke Development Trust has been awarded £72,051 to regenerate the Rankin Gait Precinct and create the Rankin Gateway Community Space.

Contingency funding of £27,949 has also been allocated to the project in case there are knock-on costs as a result of Covid-19 or other unforeseen issues.

Carnwath Community Council has been awarded £25,000 which will allow it to purchase a retail unit in the town and begin the process of creating a community and enterprise hub.

The community council had been seeking £95,000 as part of Project Carnwath Transformers which would have allowed it to purchase a second retail unit in need of repair and upgrade the car park at John Mann Park.

Forth and District Development Trust has been awarded £75,000 for the creation of an outdoor space to expand the Rainforest Café at St Paul’s Church and provide a safe space for various activities.

Back in March, councillors agreed to supplement funding from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Capital Grants Fund with an extra £500,000 to give more communities the chance to benefit.

Commenting, Pauline Elliot, head of planning and economic development, told councillors that “the council’s own funding of £500,000 augments Scottish Government funding”.