Long before the current economic downturn, Kirkintilloch town centre was targeted by East Dunbartonshire Council as a priority for funding and action and now that the town is feeling the effects of the slowdown, efforts are being redoubled.

An Action Plan has been agreed by the Council in close consultation with local traders through the Town Centre Steering Group and a number of improvements have been made with more to come. This includes better cleansing regimes, new signage and the replacement or upgrade of bins and benches.

More will be done in 2009 with the Council working with architects to develop a long term vision for the town centre. It is planned to set up a meeting with traders about this and related issues in the next couple of months to look ahead at what changes can be made and what proposals the architects bring forward for discussion.

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Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of the Council's Development & Environment Committee, said: "The Council has always been committed to working with local traders and businesses to ensure the future viability of this and other town centres but in Kirkintilloch there is a need for additional focus in light of recent closures.

"The town has suffered from the demise of Woolworths and others and all traders are operating in very challenging circumstances. It is important, more now than ever, that the Council, its partners and traders work together to focus on the health of Kirkintilloch town centre. We are committed to doing what we can to help town centre traders and all local businesses as much as possible."

In the long term, the Council is committed to working in partnership, through Kirkintilloch's Initiative, to implement a number of major regeneration projects for the town including a new leisure centre, marina development, link road and integrated care centre.

(GK/JM)