PLANS to invest £20million in Clydebank over the next decade have taken a major step forward.

Later this year the town will be awarded the funding, which works out to be around £2million per year for the next ten years, as part of the UK Government’s Long Term Plan for Towns initiative.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) confirmed today that a Town Board will be appointed to steer development in the area.

At a meeting of the local authority’s Infrastructure, Regeneration, and Economic Development (IRED) committee Liz Connolly, Principal of West College Scotland was selected as chairperson.

Speaking after her appointment Ms Connolly said: “It is a privilege to be chosen to lead this important steering group to ensure that Clydebank prospers through this investment.

“I look forward to working with the members of the board and others to drive projects forward for the benefit of the whole community.”

The IRED committee also gave the Chief Officer of Regulatory and Regeneration the power to start securing services to help the council along with the board to develop and deliver the long-term plan and three-year investment plan.

WDC confirmed it will work closely with the Town Board to develop plans for the use of the endowment-style funding, taking long-term action to enhance the town.

This is hoped to be achieved through a place-centred approach.

Councillor David McBride, convener of IRED, said: “This is an important first step in this project which is set to transform Clydebank.

“It is vital that local people have a say and therefore I am delighted that the Town Board and chair can now be appointed so that the views and interests of the residents on Clydebank are at the very heart of how this £20million investment is used.

“It is right that decisions like these should be made by people who care about the area; people who know the challenges faced and have the knowledge of the town in order to make meaningful change.”

The long-term plan is set to build on the Clydebank Town Centre Development Framework which was approved in 2021.

It includes a 15-year vision for the transformation of the town centre into a vibrant and attractive place.

With the endorsement of the Town Board, this framework can form the basis of both the long-term and three-year investment plans.

The funding will be received later this year after these plans are developed, subject to approval from the UK Government’s Department of Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities.

The council has already been given £50,000 to cover the upfront costs of setting up a Town Board.

A further £200,000 will be received in April to support the development of the long-term plan as well as administration and management costs.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice convener of IRED, said: I am so pleased for the people of Clydebank who will see the benefit of this funding for generations to come and this milestone marks the start of this exciting chapter for a town rich in history.

“The appointment of a truly local and representative Town Board means the decisions will fit with local concerns and priorities.”