Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford will meet the Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney to discuss additional financial support toward removing and replacing contaminated soil in Blanefield, Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd has confirmed.

Councillor Boyd said: "MSP Bruce Crawford has written to the Finance Secretary hoping to secure a similar level of support from the Scottish Government for the residents of Blanefield. I have been advised that meeting will take place next week. We are hopeful that he will be successful in achieving that to relieve the huge burden that has been placed on these residents."

-- Advertisement --

Earlier this week, the UK Government announced it would set aside £255,000 towards the cost of removing and replacing contaminated soil in Blanefield. An initial estimate of the necessary remediation work is around £630,000. Stirling Council has already offered to pay £125,000 towards these costs.

Councillor Boyd said: "We're delighted that efforts by our local MP Anne McGuire to secure support from the Westminster Government have been successful. This will be a huge relief for the residents affected and we're hopeful the Scottish Government will pledge to match that funding, which is in addition to the £125,000 previously committed by Stirling Council."

(CD/MH)