A report has outlined the costs of regenerating Dumfries town centre

A breakdown of the regeneration costs has been produced along with a warning about the consequences of not funding the improvement work.

The level of investment needed is outlined in a report to the council's planning and environment committee.

The bulk of the money - just over �8m - is earmarked to enhance the High Street and Whitesands areas.

The public realm scheme is designed to create the right environment to stimulate new private sector investment and boost the town's retail sector.

Main areas of spending �4.6m High Street �3.5m Whitesands �1.4m Dock Park �1.1m Shakespeare Street �805,000 Friars Vennel �650,000 Queensberry Street �600,000 English Street/Queen Street �555,000 Great King Street �545,000 Bank Street

Councillors are being recommended to agree to submit a bid to the local authority's capital development block to support the improvement programme.

Officials warned that if the regeneration programme does not go ahead, Dumfries will face an uncertain future.

They said expert opinion and case studies indicated that the town centre would face commercial decline and limited, if any, redevelopment.

A recent retail study highlighted a major decline in the popularity of Dumfries town centre with shoppers over the past 10 years.

A perceived lack of quality and choice of stores in the area was pinpointed by the report.

It also indicated there was room for improvement in the appearance of the buildings in the town.