Emma Harper has written directly to the owners of the region’s derelict buildings to seek immediate action and set out the concerns of her constituents and local businesses.
The sites include the Treasure Cave shop on English Street, Interfloor Factory, 101 club, and George Street Art School, all in Dumfries; the Central Hotel in Annan; and the Royal Hotel in Kirkcudbright, to name a few.
In the letter, which includes images of the various buildings, Ms Harper has highlighted a number of support options, such as the Scottish Land Commission’s £50 million fund to transform vacant and derelict buildings.
The owners have also been asked whether they would be willing to allow a process of either a Community Asset Transfer or sale of their buildings if this became an option.
South Scotland politician Ms Harper said: “The region has a number of these derelict, vacant and abandoned sites – from Stranraer to Gretna – and I have heard from local constituents how they are a blight on the local community.
“I will continue to keep the pressure on the owners of these buildings, the Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council to see timely action taken to transform them from blights on our community into useful community assets.”
