Dumfries to receive £20m from UK Government fund
It's one of seven Scottish locations to be given the financial boost
Last updated 10th Nov 2023
Dumfries has been announced as one of seven Scottish communities set to receive £20 million over ten years, in a bid to improve town centres and tackle anti-social behaviour.
The money will come from a UK wide ‘levelling up’ fund which will put money into the hands of local people.
It’s understood the intention is to form local boards which will decide how best to invest the cash.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the recipients on Sunday the 1st of October, the day before the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
But, the announcement has not come without some criticism from other parties, with one Scottish National Party MP describing the decision as too little too late.
The decision to award Dumfries such significant funding is however being welcomed by the local authority.
The money could have a transformative impact
Councillor Gail McGregor, leader of Dumfries & Galloway Council said:
“I welcome the fantastic news of £20 million funding to invest in the long-term future of Dumfries town, our regional capital.
“This funding will make a massive contribution to improving the long-term prospects for Dumfries – and secure its rich history and culture for generations to come.
“The Council has been working with local community organisations, businesses and the third sector for some time in an effort to help support their ambitious plans for the social and economic recovery of Dumfries town centre.
“We all recognise the impact the closure of shops has had on the local high street, and we are confident that there is a bright future for Dumfries.
“I look forward to working with community leaders, businesses and local people to maximise the impact and opportunity this investment will have.”
Funding could make existing dreams a reality
Similarly, local Pastor Mark Smith, who is a board member of Dumfries Partnership Action Group says this could be the leg up needed to bring visions for the town into existence.
The Partnership is involved in the ongoing ‘Dynamically Different Dumfries’ project, a community vision and action plan for the town.
Speaking on the boost the upcoming investment could offer, Pastor Smith said:
“This is really great news, we’re all quite excited actually.
“People in Dumfries have so many fabulous great ideas, but many of them really need some hard cash to get them going, so hopefully this will bring some much needed injection of capital.
“There’s so much that we can do, and what we need to do is make some lasting change.”
He says he’s looking forward to seeing locals work together to make the most of the funding on offer.