Wed, Feb 17 2010
Significant improvements to Linlithgow have been given the green light.
Funding for the town centre improvements has been secured through the Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund. West Lothian was recently given a total of £2.345 million from the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund, with West Lothian Council contributing a further £700,000.
Linlithgow has been awarded almost £858k that includes leverage funding of over £225,000 from West Lothian Council. The first round of improvements will begin in March 2010 and will see streetscape improvements in Linlithgow High Street. The works include upgrading of the wide footway at The Vennel and both footways between The Cross and Low Port using high quality materials to enhance Linlithgow's accessibility, heritage and environment. The council has appointed local contractor, Ritchie Brothers, to carry out the works, which are expected to take 20 weeks to complete. Executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, said: "West Lothian received the highest grant of any local authority, which 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. This massive investment will help reinvigorate them. "During the works, temporary traffic measures will be in place. The council will liaise with those directly affected to ensure adequate vehicle access for residents and for business deliveries. " Pedestrian access will be maintained to all shops during trading hours for the duration of the project. Working hours will generally be from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, although there may be some evening and weekend work to complete areas adjoining shop fronts. West Lothian Council will liaise directly with the organisers of other regular events to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. "Other projects that are being progressed as part of this package are the inclusion of a heritage Hub and archive facility within County Buildings; improvements to town centre signage; improvements to street furniture including cycling furniture provision; reinstatement of the Historical Rose Garden to be completed as part of the Burgh Halls Project; the commission of public art; a heritage trail; and further accessibility improvements to the Peel. Councillor Day added: "Full plans will be available for the public to view in County Buildings and the Library, as soon as they become available."
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