Whitesands meeting – Commitment to more public engagement
A large turnout at Nithsdale Area Committee Community meeting to discuss the proposed Whitesands regeneration project has led to a commitment to continue the public engagement on the plans in the New Year.
Around a 100 people attended the event at St George’s Church Hall for an update on the proposals for a flood protection scheme and public realm improvements for the Whitesands.
Members of the public were able to discuss issues around car parking and transportation, the landscaping design, the engineering behind the project and the potential regeneration benefits of the proposals for the Whitesands and wider town centre. All the views recorded will form part of a report to members of the Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee early next year, when Councillors will consider the final proposals.
Dumfries Provost and Chair of Nithsdale Area Committe Councillor Ted Thompson said, “We worked hard to make people aware of the event so I was delighted this paid off with such a tremendous turnout. I think it shows that people care passionately about our town and there is a real appetite to continue the conversation. More than 500 people have now been involved in the process to get us to the stage where at long last we are talking about an actual proposal for the Whitesands”.
“A lot of questions were asked, which shows there is still a need to provide more information, and I gave a commitment that we would provide answers to all the points raised. I think the event did dispel some of the myths about the project but there are others that people are raising, so it’s important that people have the full facts.”
“With an audience that size, and some vocal individuals keen to make their point, there is always a concern that people don’t speak up. Therefore, we will be continuing the conversation with the public, starting with a series of drop in sessions in the New Year in the former Bakers Office shop on Dumfries High Street. This will give an opportunity for everyone in Dumfries and people who travel to the town for work or pleasure to have their say on the development of this flagship project to improve the environment of our Regional Capital”.
“The project has already evolved thanks to public feedback since the initial proposals. For example, changes have been made to plans for car parking and buses. But a lot of new points were made at the event and I have no doubt that the design will continue to evolve thanks to the input from local people”.
“Before a final decision is made , we need to ensure we have the best possible scheme that will not only reduce the problem of flooding on the Whitesands but breathe new life into a part of our town crying out for regeneration”.
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