Public to have say on Lotto plan

The area of Lochside and Lincluden was one of seven neighbourhoods in Scotland selected for the ‘Our Place’ initiative from the Big Lottery Fund.
A statement on behalf of the initiative said: “It aims to empower local people and organisations to bring about a massive and lasting positive difference to their neighbourhood.”
Our Place Lochside and Lincluden launched in November 2014 and since then there has been a variety of consultation taking place within the community.
Two upcoming events are billed as allowing the community to have a final say on what is needed in the area, and help make crunch decisions.
A statement said: “The thoughts and opinions of the people who attend the events will form a vision statement which will go forward to the Big Lottery Fund as the key priorities in Lochside and Lincluden.”
An initial survey of 300 people in North West Dumfries revealed that youth disturbance was the biggest complaint, followed by drug and alcohol problems, vandalism and crime, lack of play facilities, and environmental issues.
And the number one call from residents was for more activities for young people, closely followed by better play facilities, then a general tidy-up, better use of park space and tackling drug use.
Over the next five years, Our Place will work with and support projects within the seven neighbourhoods.
Acting on behalf of the Big Lottery Fund, Community Enterprise have arranged the meetings on June 24 and 25 from 10 am to 12 pm at North West Resource Centre.