Visions of a regenerated Langholm showcased by local alliance
Members of the community are being encouraged to give feedback on proposed plans
Last updated 9th Nov 2023
Langholm Community Alliance are letting locals know exactly what they’re planning for the town.
A drop in session on Wednesday the 5th of August gave passers by the chance to check out evolving proposals for the former Primary School building which is now under Alliance management following a successful community asset transfer.
Locals were also able to hear more about a long term community plan, with the chance to give their own feedback.
The Community Alliance is supported by South of Scotland Enterprise, the Scottish Government and South of Scotland Enterprise.
They hope their community action plan will provide economic regeneration to the area by 2030.
Members of the alliance say they’re pleased to be able to share an updated concept of the plan with the people it is hoped to benefit.
Community Enterprise Manager Donna Hyslop said:
“So we’re actually doing a new draft of the community plan, an update, and I think we’ve shocked ourselves at how much we’ve actually all achieved despite COVID and despite everything else that went on.
“One of the things we want to showcase is that we have just taken on a community asset transfer of the old Primary School, and we want to make that a community hub.”
“I’m Langholm born and bred, and as you do as young person you think the grass is greener but actually, it’s not. I’ve learned that myself. This is a place I have raised my family, and I would love to see my family raise their own families there.
“It’s very community spirited, we do look after each other here.
“We’re all local, and I think that helps. People don’t want someone else coming in and telling the, what they want. We get the community, we’ve grown up the community – we know how it works.”
Significant progress has already been made
It’s understood efforts have come on a long way since the Alliance was formed pre-covid. They’ve undertaken a major land buyouts, and now own 5,2000 acres of land from the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.
And, it’s hoped plans for the former Primary School will see new resources including bunk house accommodation brought into the town to help support outdoor recreation.
Jenny Barlow is a an Estate Manager for Tarras Valley. She says it’s great to be promoting sustainable objectives through the Alliance:
“I think the best thing about it is seeing how people are working together in the town. We’re all joining up, all of these different things from creative industries, nature based tourism, business, community facilities, housing. It’s all coming together.
“Local action and grassroot action is so important. More things being locally led like this is important. In terms of climate action, that’s where you can sometimes have the biggest impact.”
Moving forwards, it’s hoped feedback from the public will further inform plans, with as many contributions taken on board as possible.
Locals can find out more about the Alliance on their website.