YOUR VIEWS: How should Elgin’s £20million UK Government funding boost be spent?
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Northern Scot readers have shared their thoughts on how £20million funding should be spent in Elgin.
Elgin was one of seven Scottish towns to be awarded funding from the UK Government in October, with £20million to be used to improve the town over the next 10 years.
Taking to Facebook, many Moray locals highlighted issues with the high street and transport, while others also shared ideas for more activities for children.
Naomi Stewart said: “A brand new play park in Cooper Park, it has been so badly neglected. There is so much that could be done with it.”
Pamela Duncan Williamson added: “Make more things for teenagers, families and young children to do, make more youth clubs and and open public toilets.”
Others suggested improving the towns nightlife, reopening the community centre and tidying up the high street.
David Blair said: “Stop the cuts at UHI Moray. Young folk will regenerate Elgin so long as they’re not forced to leave the
area.”
Bryan Herbert said: “Cover the centre area of the high street that is pedestrian area with some sort of wind break either side and have more appealing environment/café culture.”
Colsy Johnston suggested: “Fund some street cleaners again and throughout Moray. Streets are a mess, litter bins overflowing. If areas were clean, they automatically look more appealing.
There was also comments calling for both the further expansion and removal of Elgin’s controversial Dandy Lion statue, with one reader suggesting a Kelpie sized version of the statue, another commenting it was time he was built a wife. Another reader also suggested the money should be used to: “Stop more services and put up more statues”.
Moray residents can now take part in an online survey which will be running until May 17, where they can share their ideas.
Elgin Community Council will also be holding an evening event on May 1 at Elgin Town Hall from 6pm-8.30pm, seeking ideas for the fund and community drop-in sessions will also be held around Elgin on April 27 in Bishopmill Hall 10am-12pm; New Elgin Hall Annexe 10am-3pm; and Cooper Park 12pm-3pm. A further event in Elgin Town Centre will be held on May 11 at the former M&Co store from 10am-3pm.
