Banking on Neilston
Communities do not thrive on good looks and festivals alone. Studies by East Renfrewshire Council have revealed pockets of relatively severe deprivation within the village, making it one of the council’s priority areas in the Regeneration Plan.
The creation of local jobs and training is therefore a major thrust of the regeneration agenda, and NDT wants to respond with locally appropriate initiatives.
The Scottish Executive is in fact promoting the growth of the ‘social economy’ sector, seeing and important role for not-for-profit, community based organisation such as NDT working alongside the public and private sectors to fill gaps in social and economic provision.
A wider agenda has also to be considered. The challenge of managing the environment and the way we live in the light of climate change and other environmental issues brings opportunities as well as obligations.
The Trust has continued to work with some high profile partners. Recently Architecture and Design Scotland have helped us to build the case for a local Regeneration Masterplan. Amongst others, we have also received support from The Development Trust Association Scotland and have worked with the National Cultural Planning Steering Group.