SAVE OUR TOWN CENTRE!

- Renfrewshire bids for share of £60m Town Centre Regeneration Fund -

After winning a long-running battle for a government fund to help decaying town centres, Wendy Alexander and her Labour colleagues have launched a campaign to demand Paisley gets it fair share of the cash from the Scottish Government. Renfrewshire Council have put in a bid for some of the £60m on offer from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

SNP and Tory MSPs who voted down Labour proposals for a government Town Centre Regeneration Fund at the start of last year, have now backed down and agreed to a £60 million fund that could provide desperately needed investment for Paisley town centre.

Launching the campaign on Friday following the submission of Renfrewshire’s bid, local MSP Wendy Alexander commented:

“The Paisley Vision Board has been working hard but need extra help to turn the town centre around.”

“The fight has only just begun to make sure Paisley gets its fair share of this government fund – that’s why Labour’s team have launched a campaign. Paisley, as Scotland’s largest town, should get the largest share of the cash.”

“This much needed investment would provide us with the means to enhance Paisley’s image, attract people and businesses to the area, boost community pride and revive the local economy.”

Local MP Jim Sheridan MP said: “If the bid is successful, Paisley town centre will receive an additional £3.7m investment. This will lead to improvements on a social, economic and environmental basis.”

Local MSP Hugh Henry said: “Paisley has a proud tradition and the town centre is a part of that. We all want Paisley to prosper and I along with my Labour colleagues will campaign, with the support of local people, for a share of this regeneration cash to breathe life back into our town centre.”

Local MP Douglas Alexander said: “We’ve got to make sure Paisley isn’t forgotten when the cash is handed out for town centres. I’m backing the bid for cash for Paisley Town Centre.”