Friars Vennel has been highlighted as in need of action

Planning and environment officials said there was "compelling evidence" of the need for a scheme designed to assist cities to be extended to market towns.

It follows calls from Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown to expand the Scottish Executive Cities Growth Fund.

Ministers have not ruled out extending the scheme but said it was too early to say whether it would be possible.

The council's planning and environment committee chairwoman, Joan Mitchell, said any funding would be welcome.

"A specific fund for market towns, which recognises the regional significance of these centres would be a logical counterbalance to the support for cities and city regions," she said.

The Whitesands is seen as a key area for investment

This was echoed by the authority's planning director, Peter Bulmer.

"The cities fund recognises that they are the economic drivers for prosperity in the cities and the surrounding areas," he said.

"There is compelling and growing evidence that Scotland's market towns provide the same function in rural areas and they need the same kind of investment and support."

An executive spokeswoman said consideration had to be given to the success of the cities fund before it could be extended.

"Due to the nature of capital projects being undertaken by the cities it is too early in the process to carry out that evaluation," she said.