There is a well known saying:
"Nobody can do everything,
- but everyone can do something"
The People's Project recognises this fact and asks you to embrace
that philosophy in an effort to improve the quality of life for every person living locally.
It would be good to see young people who are frustrated at the lack of action, - coming forward
with ideas for their town.
We’ve seen huge sums of money raised for the Alexandra Unit
over the years, - and of-course, undeniably, - the unit is a superb facility. However, - given the constraints placed
upon the council with regards to budgets, - plus the present credit crunch, there appears to be little opportunity for investment
from either the private or public sector.
Rather than waiting for the private investor to suddenly appear, - like
a genie out of a bottle, - could we not all contribute, - in lots of little ways, - providing investment capital for the schemes
we all want for the area?
For example, -the Dumfries public, ( and by Dumfries, - I mean the region ) have been
pleading for years for a 10 pin bowling alley and a multi-plex cinema. Through The People’s Project,
could we not provide these types of facilities for them?
THE DOCUMENT BELOW IS THE INITIAL DRAFT
FOR THE PEOPLE'S PROJECT,- which mentions the Loreburn Hall. - Sadly the hall has been allowed to fall into disrepair
and it would require a huge amount of money to even make it usable, - probably over £1 million! That is a huge amount
of money to spend for very little return, - and on behalf of The PP, - I believe that it is now not worth trying to save. However, - the former Tesco store which is now owned by Queen of the South is in an ideal location
for a revamp.
As our retail sector changes beyond all recognition, - there may well be other buildings that
could be used for different purposes. - Woolworths is in a prime location, - could it not be used for leisure for example?
HOW?
- A bank account has been opened for The People’s Project,
- allowing anyone to make donations large or small. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO ADMIN CHARGES (bank account details available here).
- Businesses could tie their colours to the mast by making cheque presentations, - showing their willingness to
invest in the local economy.
- Individuals could give something back to the community by re-investing in it.
- Companies
and schools could have “dress down days” with all proceeds going to the fund.
- Supermarkets and Public
Houses could place buckets or bottles for the project.
- People could bequeath funds to the project on the event
of their death.
- Sponsored events of all types could take place.
- Churches could become involved in a practical
local project.
- The Project would become self perpetuating.
The list
is effectively endless!
WHO WOULD RUN IT?
A steering group (FOR EACH SEPARATE PROJECT) would need to be formed,
- made up of a mix of business people; philanthropists; youth and experience, willing to devote time and energy to our area,
without expecting a director’s cheque at the end of each financial year!
The group would expect the local
council to assist with grant applications, - free planning; and all ancillary assistance, - bearing in mind
there would be a huge reduction in consultant fees, - as they would have a team of consultants working hand in hand with them
– and making the all important decisions, - removing the risk from our elected members.
There have already been a number of small projects undertaken, - we now need to tackle
a major project:
How about extending the height of the wall on the Whitesands to avoid flooding for example?
As already intimated, the area desperately requires some much needed leisure facilities and a
town centre draw.
Could the Loreburn Hall (or some other building) not be converted into a multi use facility? It
is already publicly owned, and surely a better use could be found for it than turning it into 30 car-parking spaces?
It
could house a three screen multi-plex, - each theatre containing 100 seats. Next to this could be a bar, restaurant/café
adjacent to say, a six lane 10 pin bowling alley. Beyond this could be a “Laser Quest,” a Climbing Wall
and a “Paint Ball Bedlam Centre” for example.
All the above would draw people into the town centre,
- and if the 10 pin bowling was full, - they might try some other activity, - or go to take in a film.
All of the
above would create employment, - pumping money into the local economy, - and attracting people to the area. It would
be prudent to keep the businesses local, - rather than bringing in outside franchises, - which would simply strip cash away
from Dumfries. Perhaps a co-operative of businesses overseen by The People’s Project?
The Project could set
sensible salary levels, - with any profits realised ploughed back into the upkeep of the building – rather than lining
individuals pockets. It could also decide to close any area which was deemed uneconomic and consider a change of use.
Ultimately,
- if the above project proved unsuccessful and a financial drain on resources, the board could vote to “pull the plug”.
Hopefully,
though, an idea like this might entice further inward investment in the town, - as it would be seen as a “go-ahead”
town, - rather than somewhere in the doldrums.
As already mentioned above, - the former
Tesco site at Palmerston Park is perfect for a real People's Project, - and it has the added advantage of a car-park
with 100's of spaces. - Could the football club work with The People's Project and really make Dumfries The Queen
of The South?
FUTURE PROJECTS
Hopefully the people of the town would appreciate that their money was being spent wisely and continue to donate to the
cause.
The Dumfries public would be invited to suggest future causes by contacting the steering group or project manager.
A list of appropriate projects would be drawn up and the local people would vote on which one they preferred. This would
keep it very egalitarian – and allow the locals a real say in the running of their region.
HOW TO GET IT STARTED
Contact a number of local people and businesses who have the town/region
in their blood, - and get them behind the project and hopefully prominent local people will show their willingness
for the Project and make a donation.
Get the Standard and Radio West Sound to give it saturation coverage, - and
hopefully some money will start to drip feed its way into the coffers of The People's Project.
Once there
is backing, - it is imperative that this is no mealy-mouthed nonsense and we go about schemes on a “Challenge Aneka”
basis, - bringing projects to fruition.
IN CONCLUSION
This is not for the feint hearted, nor is it for those of us who want to make a quick buck. – This is
THE PEOPLE’S PROJECT, an opportunity to take Dumfries by the scruff of the neck and put it firmly on the map…
ARE YOU UP FOR IT?
