Whitesands gets green light

COUNCILLORS have today agreed to go ahead with the £68 million Whitesands flood defence scheme in Dumfries.

After a two hour discussion, they voted 23-18 in favour of progressing with the controversial development.

Concerns had been expressed during the meeting about the cost certainty of the project, risk, the legality of the scheme and disruption.

However, the opposers were voted down in the end.

Convenor Katie Hagmann was pleased with the decision and said: "This is sending a signal that Dumfries and Galloway is open for investment and wants to support regeneration."

The Scottish Government will provide the bulk of the monies for the project, with the council's contribution set to be just over £13 million.