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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Funding for South of Scotland regeneration

07/02/2005

Funding of £1.3 million to help boost the Dumfries and Galloway economy, was announced today.

The funding - which is part of a wider £8 million investment package - aims to help regenerate the communities of Gretna, Lockerbie and Annan.

It forms part of an ambitious five year action plan by, designed to attract industry to the area following the forthcoming closure of the Chapelcross nuclear power plant.

Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace said:

"The closure of the Chapelcross plant present a number of challenges as well as opportunities for the Dumfries and Galloway economy.

"The key aim will be to unlock this potential, and attract new economic investment to the area, benefiting local people and businesses and improving the overall quality of life.

"The local steering group has developed an ambitious vision for the area, which will be used as a catalyst for enhancing the economy of both the Gretna, Lockerbie and Annan area, and the wider region.

"I am delighted today to announce Executive funding of £1.3 million, which will help kick start this initiative, and deliver long-lasting benefits for the area."

The Corridor Regeneration Steering Group (CoRes) was set up to address the economic impact of the closure of Chapelcross nuclear facility near Annan. It is led by Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, and also includes Dumfries and Galloway Council, British Nuclear Fuel Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency.

Today's £1.3 million Executive funding, which will be channelled through Scottish Enterprise, is a result of a reallocation of existing resources.

For further information about the Gretna, Lockerbie, Annan Economic Regeneration Plan, contact Bill Shaw on 01592 643200.

Page updated: Monday, February 7, 2005