News release

£5m boost for traditional town centres

Traditional town centres in West Lothian are set to enjoy a £5 million boost.

West Lothian Council's Executive has pledged £600,000 this year towards improving the area's five traditional town centres in Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn/Uphall, Linlithgow and Whitburn.

The funding is the first stage of a significant ten year programme, which will see £5 million invested to help revitalise the towns.

All five will share a £526,000 budget for 2008/2009 to upgrade their town centres, with local Councillors approving improvement schemes for their own wards.

The Bathgate Business Improvement District project (BIDS) will also receive up to £73,500 per year for the next five years following their successful Yes vote.

All three Bathgate ward councillors have also been appointed as directors of the BIDS company.

Council Leader Peter Johnston said: " I'm delighted to announce such a substantial investment in West Lothian's traditional town centres.

" The traditional town centres are at the heart of local communities, and this investment will play a major role in continuing to improve their environments for the benefit of everyone.

" I'm particularly pleased that we are continuing to support the Bathgate BIDS scheme with further investment. The pilot initiative is already reaping benefits in Bathgate, and could prove a successful model to revitalise other town centres across West Lothian."

Date: 22-04-2008