Regeneration

The plans for the regeneration of Bo'ness Foreshore were recently dealt a blow due to the continuing economic downturn, due in some measure, to the problems being experienced in the USA sub-prime mortgage market.

ING, the preferred developer, has indicated that the existing proposals, are no longer a viable option and for a successful long-term outcome it is necessary to change the order of proposed works.

Again, we're not alone. No, extra-terrestrial life has not been found yet!

I'm talking about 'consultation' the buzzword of both the national executive and our local councils or more accurately the lack of it.

Grangemouth La Porte Precinct

In the Falkirk Herald (01/02/07) it was reported that "the public consultation on Grangemouth's £22 million town centre regeneration came to an angry conclusion this week".

Town Centre Closures

Bo'ness is not alone when it comes to closures in the High Street.

Most small towns experience the same problems when the big boys come to 'play'.

Only last week in the Bo'ness Journal (Linlithgow Gazette) it was announced that the long-established toy shop Fun 'n' Games is set to shut its doors for good once all remaining stock has been sold.

That is expected to take place in April or May — and will bring the curtain down on the family-owned shop's 16-year stint in the town.

With the announcement made today that the Antonine Wall is now the official UK world heritage bid the opportunities it opens up are exciting, numerous and need to be capitalised on all along its length.

Tessa Jowell, Culture, Media and Sport Minister, today confirmed the bid and said it was one of the most important sites in the UK. The decision is expected next year, 2008.

It is incumbent on us all, individuals and groups including BmB, that every effort is made to ensure that even the smallest opportunity to capitalise on the, expected successful, bid and not let others take the lead to the detriment of its importance to raising the profile of Bo'ness, its now accepted starting point.

Forward planning

It would seem Cumbernauld has stolen an opportunity from Bo'ness.

Cumbernauld town centre has received the dubious accolade of 'Curbuncle' at least twice in the last few years and some might say not without justification but...

New town centre development

A new shopping/retail development has just started called the Antonine Centre which is hoped will combat the criticism and bad press the award has heaped upon Cumbernauld.