POPULATION DECLINE SHOWS NEED FOR REGENERATION- FINNIE

Written by Ross Finnie on Thu 4th Feb 2010

West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has stated the need for regeneration in West Dunbartonshire is more than ever.

West Dunbartonshire is predicted to have the third biggest population decline of any area in Scotland over the next 20 years. The General Register Officer for Scotland predicts the number of people living in West Dunbartonshire will drop by 8% between 2008 and 2033. It is predicted that the number of people living in West Dunbartonshire will fall from 90,940 in 2008 to 83,670 in 2033.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"The predicted population decline in West Dunbartonshire shows just how important regeneration in the area is; the regeneration of both Clydebank and Dumbarton Town Centre must be just the start of a regeneration of West Dunbartonshire.

"Without access to jobs and affordable housing, attracting new residents to West Dunbartonshire will be almost impossible, so the importance of regeneration cannot be overstated.

"West Dunbartonshire is one of a number of communities that have been in decline due to harsh economic circumstances and a lack of investment. More regeneration projects are needed to revive this once thriving community."

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