Newbridge regeneration news

17/3/07


The Newbridge Regeneration Working Group has recently been set up. This is chaired by the Chair of the Ratho and District Community Council and includes a number of local organisations, including Hillwood Primary, local residents groups, businesses, developers and elected representatives. Local MSP Margaret Smith is involved and has taken a keen interest; attending Working Group meetings and the recent Workshop on the Village Plan. This well-attended event was the first stage in pulling together a study of what residents want for the villages.

There was a further feedback exhibition in mid-March, with the final report being made public in late spring. Margaret Smith said, “The Labour council have let down the village . They said no to plans for housing, they’ve refused to meet me to discuss regeneration and now they’ve shelved their Newbridge Regeneration Study after two years work.”.

However because of the impact of the Planning Framework the Council Planning Committee and the Director of City Development are now at least considering the possibility of housing in Newbridge.

Liberal Democrat FOCUS editor Neil Maclean said: “Margaret and I are both committed to doing all we can to begin regeneration as soon as possible. We’re delighted that the Lib Dems in the Council set aside £50,000 in their alternative Council budget for initial regeneration work to take place.”

Meanwhile, Margaret Smith has also had discussions with NHS Lothian about health provision in the area.