People's Project goes to the vote

Aug 15 2008 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Friday

STANDARD readers are being asked to vote for their favourite ideas for a People’s Project to help regenerate Dumfries.

A poll will be launched this morning on our new-look interactive website at dgstandard.co.uk where readers can vote on their favourite idea.

The options are: action on seagulls and litter; clean-up the River Nith; a heritage scheme for Bruce/Barrie/Burns; facilities for young people; and an entertainment or leisure scheme.

Or you can vote for something else entirely.

Dumfries businessman Mark Jardine is behind the People’s Project which he launched after being frustrated at a lack of regeneration work in the town.

The idea is for one, or several, realistic projects to be funded, promoted and carried out by the people of the town. Funding may well be available from outside agencies.

The results of the Standard’s survey will be used at a public meeting planned to be held in DGOne later this month.

Already, around £3,500 has been committed to the scheme in just a week.

The latest to add cash is Alistair Bertram who is managing director of Garden Wise plant and garden centre on Castle Douglas Road. He is to donate £1,000 to the scheme. He said: “Dumfries can pull together, just look at the support the town gave Queen of the South especially with their homecoming parade.

“But it needs the support of local businesses, council, government, tourist authority, enterprise, media and above all the local people. We need everybody to stop talking and start debating.”

Bank account details can be obtained from Mark Jardine c/o 3 Crowns Court, Dumfries, DG1 1HU.