People's Project wins support

Aug 13 2008 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

A POWER to the people-style project to kick start the regeneration of Dumfries has been embraced by members of the public.

Organiser Mark Jardine was swamped with ideas for his People’s Project during a meeting of Loreburn Community Council on Monday night aimed at testing the potential of the scheme.

The Dumfries businessman was so delighted with the response, a public meeting, possibly in DG One, is being considered.

He told the meeting: “I don’t want this just to be a talking shop. We have to take this one stage further and hold a bigger public meeting to discuss the best ideas for this project.

“I think we need to start with a simple project, let it come to fruition and it could be the start of something bigger.”

Mr Jardine revealed that Loreburn Housing Association, many local people and businesses and MSP Mike Russell had already pledged their support just days after the plans were revealed in last Wednesday’s Standard.

Mr Jardine launched the idea for a regeneration project – which would be developed by the people of the town – amid concern over the future of Dumfries.

More than £3,000 has already been pledged to the scheme.

Ideas raised at Loreburn Community Council included action on seagulls; a litter clean-up system; a heritage scheme for Robert the Bruce, J M Barrie and Robert Burns; a project or entertainment scheme for young people; and plans to attract tourism.

Mr Jardine can be contacted c/o 3 Crowns Court, Dumfries, DG1 1HU.