Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 23April 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Comhairle Takes Forward £1.35m Plans For Sustainable Communities

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar this week moved forward on plans for the economic regeneration of island communities including an additional £1.35m to be used for a raft of community development proposals.

The additional funding has come from the Scottish Executive's Better Neighbourhood Fund and the Policy and Resources Committee of the Comhairle has agreed to use the cash to support sustainable development of Western Isles communities.

Chairman of Policy and Resources, Cllr. Roddy Murray, said:"Proposals agreed include the completion of the coverage of community development officers throughout the islands, three year development action plans by communities, better advice and support systems for community groups when preparing bids for external funding and the creation of a Sustainable Communities Fund to which bids for project funding can be made. Together, these proposals add up to a significant development of the Comhairle's action plans for community development and regeneration which will deliver real and substantial improvements for local people."

The Better Neighbourhood Fund was established by the Scottish Executive to improve services for those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This should be done through the community planning process and involve the community concerned. The proposals put forward by the Comhairle will now go to the Scottish Executive for approval.

The Better Neighbourhood Funding is intended to complement other social inclusion initiatives such as Iomairt Aig an Oir.

The Policy and Resources Committee has also set out a strategic framework for community economic development in the Western Isles to enhance the effectiveness of the programmes currently operating to support sustainable community development. The framework hs been drawn up in partnership with Western Isles Enterprise.

A shortleet of candidates for the post of Director of the new Department of Sustainable Communities will be drawn up this week.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk