Dumfries needs regeneration funding, it has been claimed

The River Nith Society wants people living near the river to help with its upkeep and welfare so that it can become a focal point for the town.

An appeal has also gone out for extra financial support by expanding the Building Better Cities scheme to include smaller market towns.

Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown said government funding was needed to help regenerate the town.

He has written to First Minister Jack McConnell asking him to expand the city initiative to include towns like Dumfries.

"I think this initiative should be expanded to include key market towns in Scotland such as Dumfries," said Mr Brown.

"An expansion of the scheme could really benefit Dumfries, parts of which are in desperate need of attention.

"I think that our towns should have a very clear vision of what is needed to regenerate them.

"Money needs to be spent improving the facilities of town centre businesses and tackling the problem of derelict buildings in areas like Friars Vennel in Dumfries."