An £860,000 project aimed at improving Bathgate town centre has finally been completed.

The project is part of the Scottish Government?s Town Centre Regeneration Fund package for Bathgate in partnership with West Lothian Council and Enterprising Bathgate.

It aims to regenerate the town centre area. The investment set out to enhance the public realm and event space in the core town centre area whilst improving accessibility for shoppers and visitors.

Executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, joined a delegation at the Steelyard this week to plant the last tree, officially marking the end of the project. He said: "We are all delighted that the town centre works are now complete.

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"The scale of the work meant that disruption for traffic and pedestrians was inevitable, so we really appreciate the understanding and patience of local residents and shop owners.

"So far, the reaction from local businesses has, by and large, been extremely positive.

"The council has worked in partnership with Enterprising Bathgate to promote the town and we have common goals in ensuring local businesses thrive. This has been a successful partnership and long may it continue.

"This is a very exiting time for Bathgate. With the completion of the Bathgate to Airdrie rail link, the completion of the town centre regeneration works and the continued work on the new Bathgate Partnership Centre the town centre will benefit for many years to come."

David Stein Chair of Enterprising Bathgate added: "I feel that it is another step in the regeneration of Bathgate town centre. It is a wonderful space and far more useable than it ever has been in the past.

"The work is of an exceptional standard and it should benefit business and the public for years to come. Enterprising Bathgate will now be working to secure more funding to complete other areas in the town centre and keep up the momentum."

(GK)