Setback for 'eyesore' revamp plan

The site has remained undeveloped for over 10 years

A major development project, described as the "economic regeneration future" of Falkirk, has been shelved.

Planners had hoped to create new homes, businesses and a supermarket on the 20-hectare site known as the town's Western Gateway.

However, a move by landowner and bus firm Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) to new premises was central to the plans.

Falkirk Council said the bus company, which announced 94 job cuts this month, no longer intended to leave the site.

ADL said that due to the current economic climate it had reviewed its plans to relocate production elsewhere.

The site formerly housed production by Johnston Press and a Wrangler Jeans factory but has remained undeveloped for over a decade.

'Dire need'

Tesco, which has owned the former jeans factory site for about 10 years, is now the biggest landowner.

Craig Martin, head of Falkirk Council's economic strategy committee, said the authority was due to meet Tesco and other landowners, including Johnston Press, to discuss the area's future next month.

Mr Martin said: "The situation with ADL now unfortunately means we will have to reassess the site.

"We want landowners to present their individual plans for the area so that we can get things moving again.

"My own opinion is that the site is an eyesore and it is in dire need of development and it is one of the council's policies to make sure that is done."

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