Bathgate has regeneration plans but local councillors claim they have yet to see proposals or receive regular updates on what’s happening and where.
At a recent meeting of the town’s Local Area Committee Councillors John McGinty and Charles Kennedy expressed frustration over what had been agreed, and when.
Town centre manager, Nairn Pearson, reported to the committee: “The first version of the plan was presented to the Local Area Committee in June 2019, identifying the relative priorities and actions for the area.
“Subsequent meetings in June and August 2019 looked at further local issues. The plan is a ‘live’ document for review on an ongoing basis; thereby allowing for flexibility to respond to changing local issues and actions as they should become identified by partners.”
Mr Pearson said an updated report would be given to elected members before the next scheduled meeting at the end of March.
He added: “As officers we have been stretched but actions have been undertaken with the steering group we are looking at the content of the action plan.
“Obviously we are looking at ways to progress the plan. He added that there was a dialogue including the consultation with the community council and town centre group.
He said there had been a “walkaround” in parts of the town to identify improvements that were needed.
But Councillor McGinty asked: “Where actually was it agreed. We had a version of the plan and we made comments, who approved the plans in terms of resource and officer time?
“We talked about it but I still haven’t seen a regeneration plan. It seems to me that if we want the community and the members to be engaged, then they need to see a plan.”
Chairing the meeting Councillor Charles Kennedy agreed. He said there had been enthusiastic support for regeneration plans but said there was now widespread questioning as to what “ we are actually achieving.”
He added: “Is it possible to have an update on where the plan sits at the moment. I think we need to get regular updates.”
Mr Pearson said he would be happy to pass on regular updates of progress to members.
Councillor McGinty said: “It would be good if we could see the plan this week, ahead of the end of March meeting.”
