North Lanarkshire Council has earmarked £1.8m towards the local development fund.

The monies will be invested in regeneration projects which aim to improve the social, economic, physical and environmental wellbeing of communities throughout the area.

The fund will be divided equally between Airdrie, Bellshill, Coatbridge, Motherwell, the North Area and Wishaw, and will be rolled out through the Local Area Partnerships (LAP).

To be eligible for inclusion, projects must meet certain agreed criteria such as being linked to the aims of the LAP, improving the appearance of an area or maximising the use of alternative sources of funding.

In 2012/13, projects included:

• Airdrie - The development of a multi-use games area in Chapelhall, the refurbishment of the Stanrigg Miners' Memorial and, with a range of funding, community safety/environmental improvements in the Glen area.
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• Bellshill - The upgrading of the Tannochside Windmill, the Health Centre parking development and a series of key environmental improvements.



• Coatbridge - The Sikeside football pitch development, Drumpellier Canal Jetty upgrading and environmental improvements on the main road leading into the Langloan, including a new car parking lay-by to reduce on-street parking and improve access. In addition, the renewal of lighting columns in a local lane improved illumination and positively impacted on community safety.



• Motherwell - The Forgewood Allotment development and the construction of a new wheeled sports area which has reinvigorated the Duchess of Hamilton Park and increased usage by a wide range of the community. A new football kick-about area was also established in the park.



• North - Improvements to the Haugh Road footpath in Kilsyth and the upgrading of the play facility in Abronhill Park.



• Wishaw - The construction of a large-scale statue of a steelworker at Dykehead Cross in Shotts and environmental improvements at the shops in Gair Crescent, Pather.

Councillor Jim McCabe, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "I'm delighted to announce this boost for the local development programme. These projects are at the heart of our communities and this decision signifies our commitment to local regeneration and building strong, sustainable communities.

"Because our financial management is so strong we are able to commit to this programme even further and I know that the £1.8million we have invested will be money well spent."

North Lanarkshire's current annual budget for the Local Development Programme is £1m across the six localities.

(JP/IT)