Two bids to the UK government’s Levelling Up fund have been rejected in the first round for West Lothian Council.
The council joined both Scotland’s largest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, in losing out when it came to Westminster decisions on which authorities and projects would benefit from the national fund.
West Lothian councillors gave their unanimous backing to the joint £15 million bid with Falkirk Council to the UK Government's Levelling Up fund at the last meeting of the Executive before the summer break.
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The bid had been submitted for the Linlithgow and East Falkirk parliamentary constituency, and the cash was to create an all-ways slip road on Junction 3 of the M9 and to improve road alignment at Champany - an accident blackspot - in the Falkirk council area.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We submitted two bids to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund: A803 Road Corridor Improvements from Bo'ness to Linlithgow, including Junction 3 of the M9 Motorway in conjunction with Falkirk Council; and Access improvements, including enhanced provision for Active Travel, to employment sites in West Lothian.
“Unfortunately, neither of the bids were successful.”
Neighbouring councils have won funding for specific projects. In East Lothian, nearly £11.3 million will help free up land at a former coal fired power station at Cockenzie for future, green regeneration.
In North Lanarkshire the council has won £9m. In Cumbernauld, money will be spent to support the demolition and regeneration of two failing shopping centres and a vacant office block, helping to bring education, employment and homes into the heart of North Lanarkshire's largest town.
Shetland Islands Council is one of the biggest winners in Scotland. Nearly £27 million has been guaranteed for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle.
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