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Multi-million pound leisure development

PLANS for a multi-million pound leisure development in the Belmont and Ochtrelure area of Stranraer moved a step closer to reality this week.

Funding amounting to some £10,000 has been granted, which will allow the Galloway Community Sports Trust to proceed with a project which aims to construct:

• A Community hall with meeting rooms and a function suite.
• Six lane indoor bowling arena.
• Training facility.
• 300 seat covered enclosure.
• Floodlighting.
• Fitness suite.
• Changing facilities
• Restaurant.
• Car parking facilities.

Funding of £5000 from each of the Wigtown West Area Committee and the Small Towns Initiative has now been handed over, and this will pay for feasibility studies on the project.

Following these, the Sports Trust intends to submit funding bids to various groups, including the National Lottery.

The total cost of the project is likely to be in the region of some £3 million.

Meanwhile, Trust members are busy signing up people who are interested in the facility and they can join for an initial nominal fee of just £1.

The Trust has 15 members, drawn from Ochtrelure and Belmont Community Councils, Wigtownshire Indoor Bowling, Stranraer Athletic Football Club, Belmont and Ochtrelure Community Safety Initiative and four members of the community.