By Ross Thomson
Copyright dailyrecord
The UK Government has announced a £20 million investment to transform West Lothian neighbourhoods. The Pride in Place programme will see up to £280 million shared among 12 Scottish local authorities, including up to £20 million for West Lothian Council, to precisely target areas which can benefit most from funding being made available for a wide range of regeneration projects. Across the UK 169 of the most-in-need communities will benefit. This includes revitalising high streets and town centres, preserving local heritage, providing housing, creating jobs, boosting productivity and skills, improving health and well-being, creating new transport links, providing education and opportunity and improving safety and security. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now. “We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities. “This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game. “We’re choosing renewal over decline, unity over division. This is our Plan for Change in action – giving power and pride back to the people who make Britain great.” Bathgate and Linlithgow MP Kirsteen Sullivan added: “I promised to fight for investment for local communities and I am proud to have delivered. “This £20 million has the potential to change lives over the next decade, and it will be spent where local people need it most “This is not about politicians in Holyrood or Westminster making decisions for us. It’s about local people shaping their own future. “Having now secured this record investment, I’ll work to make sure every penny delivers for our community. The Government is putting its money where its mouth is. This is not just £20 million; it’s £20 million for the ideas of the people who live here.” Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
