£1.8 million cash injection for Brechin regeneration plans
CHRISTMAS came early for the city of Brechin and perhaps, once and for all, myths about Friday the 13th were dispelled with the announcement of £1.8 million in the way of funding from the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund for Brechin.
While questions remain over how the money is spent, having missed out on the first tranche of cash, the news is a welcome boost for the local economy and locals are hopeful they will see a marked improvement in the town centre if it's utilised properly.
St David Street resembled something of a political battleground on Friday morning as local SNP and Tory activists were out in force, both claiming credit for securing the money.
Most Brechiners, however, appear to be more concerned about how the money is spent, rather than who was responsible for securing it in the first place.
The announcement was made in the Scottish Parliament by Communities Minister Alex Neill.
Bill Sturrock, chairman of the Brechin and District Business Association said: "I am delighted with this news. It's a real lift for the town centre, at a particularly important time of the year for traders and retailers and we hope that this money will be utilised to put in place sustainable improvements for the town, which will further enhance Brechin's reputation.
"Getting the money is only the first part of the process, it's vital we ensure that voices are heard and the people are listened to in the manner they want it spent.
"While it's very early days, we know we have to get more people into our town centre and we can only achieve that by increasing employment and building up a network of businesses that will add to Brechin's retail sector and provide genuine choice for customers.
"A great deal of hard work has gone into gaining town centre regeneration cash. I would like to thank all those who have had a role to play in ensuring this bid was successful.
"It should be stressed that, while the THI scheme was a significant factor in this, the two things are completely separate entities.
"However, if the THI can make significant progress along with the cash that is forthcoming from the fund, hopefully a tangible difference can be made for all to see."
North Tayside MSP John Swinney said he was delighted Brechin had been awarded such a fantastic sum.
"This money will help to transform the fabric of the city centre and boost economic prospects in Brechin. I am sure this will be a great boost to efforts to develop Brechin's economic opportunities.
"I established the Town Centre Regeneration Fund as part of my budget last year and I am delighted the SNP government has delivered such a boost for Brechin."
Angus MP Mike Weir also gave a warm welcome to the news.
Commenting Mr Weir said: "I very much welcome the announcement Brechin has been successful in their bid for a share of the Scottish Government's town regeneration fund.
"This is a very significant investment in the city and shows the very strong determination of the Scottish Government to do everything that it can to help Brechin and other small burghs.
"Combined with the reduction or abolition of business rates there has been a very significant shift in emphasis to ensure in help to small businesses, which are the backbone of the local economy. This is real Government action, helping communities and businesses during a recession."
"Coming shortly after the announcement of major funding for High School and the commitment to ensure the continuation of services at Stracathro Hospital, the Brechin area is receiving a substantial boost from an SNP Scottish Government that understands the needs of local communities and is determined to see them not only survive the current recession but prosper into the future."
Annabel Goldie, leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, said she hoped the cash would mean the dawn of a new era for Brechin's town centre.
"If ever somewhere was crying out for some tender, loving care, then it was Brechin. I am absolutely delighted with this announcement.
"There would be no town centre regeneration fund without the Scottish Conservatives. It was a specific condition of ours when the budget needed to pass and we said at that time, if Mr Swinney's budget is to go through, we need something more out of it. That condition was the town centre regeneration fund.
"When I visited Brechin, I had a sense of sorry that here was a once very proud community that was facing up to many challenges. Yet there remains a sense of hope and you couldn't be unaware of the unmistakable sense of community in the city of Brechin and that's what's most tangible.
"I think the town centre needs an attractive central focal point. Whether that is doing something with the physical environment or by getting local businesses involved to see what they think. I hope the money will go on something that makes the heart of Brechin considerably more attractive."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Brechin
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
