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FACELIFT PROJECT ENDS WITH PRAISE

A FIVE-YEAR facelift scheme in Stranraer town centre has concluded, and drawn widespread praise from officials.

More than 100 properties benefited from the Stranraer Town Centre Business Environment Programme.

In the past year £50,000 has been spent on the second phase of the project in which 21 local companies were involved.

The aims of the scheme, which began in April 1998, were to encourage improvements to the appearance of the commercial centre of Stranraer. It is hoped that the knock on effect of the work will be a thriving local economy.

The Small Towns Initiative co-ordinated the programme which they funded together with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Solway Heritage.

Sam Scobie, of the Sti board, said he was highly impressed with outcome.

" The point of this was to raise the whole profile of the town and to make it more attractive for visitors and the local community alike so that people would shop and spend in the town," said Mr Scobie.

He added: "It has been a huge success. More than 100 businesses have benefited and you can notice the difference from five years ago when you take a walk around the town."

Architects and officials from Solway Heritage helped ensure that the facelift work enhanced the character and quality of the historic environment.

And the Business Gateway Office also involved themselves by providing advice to any of the participating businesses.

All of which resulted in a highly successful, multi-angled business boost. Mr Scobie added:

"This was one of the main projects which the Sti has been involved with over its term and many of the businesses have reported a marked increase in trading since the grant aided works have been completed."

On behalf of Solway Heritage, architect Michael Leybourne, said:

"We are pleased to have been involved in this worthwhile project and we hope that the significant improvements made to the town centre environment can be sustained in the longer term through a more buoyant local area."