POPULATION DECLINE SHOWS NEED FOR REGENERATION

Written by Ross Finnie and Jo Swinson on Mon 8th Feb 2010

Liberal Democrats Ross Finnie MSP and Jo Swinson MP have stated the need for regeneration in East Dunbartonshire is more than ever.

East Dunbartonshire is predicted to have the second biggest population decline of any area in Scotland over the next 20 years. The General Register Office for Scotland predicts the number of people living in East Dunbartonshire will drop by 12.6% between 2008 and 2033. It is predicted that the number of people living in East Dunbartonshire will fall from 104,720 to 91,557 in 2033.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"The predicted population decline in East Dunbartonshire shows just how important regeneration in the area is; the regeneration of Kirkintilloch Town Centre must just be the start of further regeneration of East Dunbartonshire.

"Without access to top line jobs, attracting new families to East Dunbartonshire will be most difficult, so the importance of regeneration in East Dunbartonshire cannot be overstated.

"East Dunbartonshire is a wonderful area and would be an ideal community to raise a family in; I would implore any first time buyers to move to this ever improving area."

Commenting Ms Swinson said:

"Continued investment in our area is vital to ensure that we maintain the excellent quality of life that people enjoy in East Dunbartonshire, and to continue attracting people to the area.

"While there are new developments in the offing across East Dunbartonshire, we must ensure that these include the kinds of facilities and amenities which really benefit the community, providing jobs and making it a pleasant place to live, and not just benefiting private development companies."

Ends

Notes to Editors

Figures from the General Registers office found at:

http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/popproj/2008-based-pop-proj-scottish-areas/index.html