RESIDENTS IN A MORAY town are being urged to support local community moves to improve local landmarks and make them more attractive for visitors and locals.
Regional MSP Douglas Ross is a regular visitor to Lossiemouth and so was delighted to learn of the work being undertaken by the Lossiemouth Community Development Trust (LCDT) to redevelop Station Park and the Seatown Bridge in the town.
Now the Scottish Conservative MSP is urging the community to have its say on the future of the Station Park site, when plans that include creating a £750,000 facility go on display next week.
An options appraisal for the popular seafront location produced proposals ranged from doing nothing at the site, which currently houses a bandstand and community garden, to developing a multi-purpose tourist and community hub with integrated café, information centre and area for exhibitions, concerts and other events throughout the year.
Mr Ross said: “I welcome the significant amount of work which has been done by LCDT to bring the project this far and wish them every success in creating something that will be welcomed by all sectors of the local community.
“Chair Donna Milne and Trust members are working with Moray Council to progress a Community Asset Transfer for the site and I hope their efforts are successful.”
Mr Ross is urging the public to go along to an open event where the proposals will be presented to the local community in Stotfield Hotel from 4pm until 8pm on Tuesday, April 18.
He said: “I hope they have a positive turnout and response when gathering the views of the public and the feedback for their ambitious plans.”
He added: “I understand that the Trust are also working to establish ownership of the Seatown Bridge with a view to looking more closely at plans for its future, If the group’s aspirations can be met I know it will be warmly welcomed by the local community and visitors to the town.”
Last night local councillor John Cowe praised the LCDT and also urged the community to get behind their efforts, saying: “The LCDT, funded through Seafest is working towards a Community Asset Transfer for the Station Park and with a grant from “Money for Moray”, is researching the ownership of the East Beach Bridge so that it can be refurbished for future generations.
“The Trust, like Seafest, is a small group of dedicated people whose aim is to revitalise and expand the local and visitor experience of Lossiemouth. Huge congratulations and good luck to them in their ambitious plans for the future.”