Dumfries and Galloway Council has confirmed it has submitted a bid to the Scottish Government's Town Centre Housing Fund.

It has applied for a £460,000 bid.

If successful, the cash would see the transformation of seven empty flats and four shops being brought back into use in Dumfries Town Centre. The refurbishment would also create high-quality residential properties for mid-market rent, alongside quality commercial space for traders.

Chair of the Council's Housing Sub Committee, Councillor Jim McClung, said: "The Scottish Government has a long standing commitment to revitalise Scotland's Town Centres. If this bid was successful we would see economic activity in Dumfries Town Centre increase, making a significant contribution to our aspiration to strengthen Dumfries' position as regional capital.

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"The bid was put together by the Council's Strategic Housing and Economic Development Services in partnership with local property owners and SHELTER Scotland. This demonstrates how people, and organisations, need to work together to deliver our priorities."

Chair of the Planning, Housing and Environment Services Committee and Nith Ward Councillor Colin Smyth, added: "I'm delighted that projects within the Dumfries Town Centre Housing Regeneration Plan are at the heart of the council's bid for funding. Tackling the problem of poor residential housing in the town centre is crucial to the wider regeneration of Dumfries.

"Without residents, the town centre simply becomes a 'ghost town' so it is crucial that we provide decent housing to attract people to live in the centre of town. I hope the Scottish Government will look favourably on our bid as there is no doubt it would make a real difference to Dumfries if we secured at least part of our funding bid."

(JP/IT)