Local communities in East Dunbartonshire are set to benefit from a unique agreement between the local authority and the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN).

The agreement will help to improve the social, physical, cultural and environmental well-being of the area.

The CSGN is Europe's largest green space initiative which looks to transform Central Scotland into a place where the environment adds value to the economy and where people's lives are enriched by its quality.

In signing up to the scheme, the Council has welcomed the Scottish Government's Planning Framework as well as the opportunities the CSGN has to offer. The local authority has also pledged to integrate the Green Network into development masterplans as well as developing an open space strategy review and the forestry strategy for East Dunbartonshire that supports the network's objectives.

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Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Partnership Board, said: "In order to achieve the CSGN aims of delivering a high quality green network that will meet the Scottish Government's environmental, social and economic objectives, we need to share resources, best practice and new thinking.

"Our Local Authority Concordat represents a collective understanding that working in partnership will ensure policies and resources are aligned and will in turn achieve the optimum results for all parties involved. I hugely welcome the fact that East Dunbartonshire Council has come on board and we look forward to building on our relationship to create a lasting legacy for the future."

Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, Rhondda Geekie, added: "We have some very attractive greenspaces and areas of natural beauty in East Dunbartonshire that are valued highly by the Council and local people. We are committed to retaining and improving our open spaces and natural resources for local people and visitors to enjoy.

"Working in partnership with the CSGN gives us an opportunity to share ideas, ambitions and resources so that we can maximise the impact we have on our local environment. I am eagerly looking forward to the results of this partnership and the improvements it will deliver."

East Dunbartonshire has already benefited from support from CSGN through a number of projects including the Campsie Fells Feasibility Study and an exploration of the potential health impacts of people using the local canals for active travel and exercise.

The CSGN encompasses 19 local authorities across 10,000 sq km and has the potential to benefit 3.5 million people, equating to 70% of Scotland's population.

(JP/CD)