Town centre taskforce launched
I was delighted the new Dumfries Town Board convened recently for the first time at the start of their mission to enhance the central area.
My congratulations to doonhamer Richie Nicoll on his appointment as chairman. He brings to the table a wealth of experience both as a former senior specialist in the UK armed forces and as a successful businessman.
He is supported by an excellent team on the board drawn from varied backgrounds including the public, private and third sectors, who, I’m sure, are equally determined to make a real difference.
They aim to shape a vision for the future, delivering over the next decade, with £20m phased funding from the UK Levelling-Up programme as a key foundation resource.
Improving the town centre topped the wish-list in a survey I carried out when first elected local MP and I feel sure the board are well-placed to explore new avenues to make the beating heart of Dumfries better for local residents and visitors.
Bridge in position
Despite some initial local concerns I’m sure most users of Dumfries railway station will be delighted to see this week that the new pedestrian bridge, complete with lifts, has been lowered into position over the track, linking both platforms.
There was clearly great affection for the old bridge, but I do feel the new design also blends in well with the Victorian station buildings, and, most importantly, the structure will make a huge difference to travellers with mobility challenges.
It will be a while before the £3.6m bridge, funded through the UK Government Inclusive Transport Strategy, will be ready for public use and I, for one, look forward to crossing it for the first time!
Route to success
I find it hard to believe that it was 40 years ago this month that the pioneering Southern Upland Way coast-to-coast path was officially opened.
The 214-mile route between Portpatrick and Cockburnspath was the first long-distance dedicated walking route in southern Scotland and opened up much breathtaking scenic countryside, which had previously been hard to reach by visitors.
Local people and tourists have enjoyed the pathway, which in some respects was ahead of its time as during subsequent years the environment, tourism and health benefits of exercise all moved up the national agenda.
I’m looking forward to dropping in to see a small exhibition reflecting the history of the path, put together by the Southern Upland Way ranger service, which will be touring the region in the summer months.