CENTRAL government should boost investment in Clydebank, says a new report.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the Scottish and UK governments should direct the Scottish National Investment Bank and the UK Stronger Towns Fund to back high streets and town centres in West Dunbartonshire.

Council leader Jonathan McColl welcomed the report but said only Scottish independence could deliver the investment needed in the area.

The FSB reported at least six bank branch, shop and local premises closures since 2016.

Hisashi Kuboyama, FSB’s development manager for Dunbartonshire, said: “More than nine out of 10 people in West Dunbartonshire live in towns. But these towns have recently faced real pressure from big business and public sector closures.

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“That’s why FSB is calling on governments north and south of the border for long-term investment in our local towns. This new supply of cash should help them adapt to current challenges but also help them to lay the groundwork to be great places to live in the future.”

The report also urged councils to consider ideas such as recycling stations and vehicle charging points.

Mr Kuboyama added: “The investment recently announced by West Dunbartonshire Council from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund is a welcome starting point, but sustained and strategic investment will be needed to turn around the fortunes of West Dunbartonshire towns.”

Councillor McColl told the Post: “With a no-deal Brexit now touch and go, in the prime minister’s own words, and austerity continuing to hit the Scottish Government and this council’s budget, the only way we will see the funding we need for our communities is through a Yes vote in what needs to be an imminent independence referendum.”