Cash boost for green project

Award to look into improvement plan

An environmental project in West Lothian has been given a cash boost.

West Lothian Council has been awarded £20,000 by Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Development Fund to commission a feasibility study on potential improvements to the Livingston North Blue/Green Network in West Lothian.

This will focus on five connecting corridors covering approximately 8km in the north part of the former new town.

The project aims to enhance the quality and improve the connectivity and functionality of the ‘Greenways’ through Livingston North for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Executive Councillor for the environment, Councillor Tom Conn, said: “West Lothian Council was pleased to re-sign a concordat with the CSGN in summer 2016. This new grant from the CSGNT Development Fund will allow the council to appoint specialist consultants to prepare a master plan and consider opportunities to engage with communities on the north side of Livingston in later this year 2017.

“The consultation will seek views and, at a later stage, get involved in voluntary activities on a wide-range of environmental projects along the blue / green network in that area.

“Other large scale tree and access works will be identified along these river corridors in North Livingston, which will be undertaken by contractors when the council can acquire suitable external grants.

“This will be similar to improvement work undertaken and funded by CSGNT in South Livingston in 20014/15.”

The CSGN is Europe’s largest greenspace initiative which seeks to transform Central Scotland into a place where the environment adds value to the economy and where people’s lives are enriched by its quality and initiatives stretching across West Lothian are now benefitting.

Keith Geddes, chair of the CSGN Trust, said: “We are proud that the CSGN Development Fund is supporting projects across Central Scotland and making a real difference to the invaluable work they carry out.

“Almost £400,000 is being awarded in 2017 through this initiative which is designed to support trees, woodlands and green infrastructure as well as encouraging community growing and promoting active travel to help transform the quality of life for people living and working in the area.”