From playing Still Game’s iconic lovable rogue Winston to improvising with Robin Williams, Paul Riley’s comedy career has, in his own words, been “quite the ride”.
06.01.2023 - 13:17 / dailyrecord.co.uk
A move to protect town centres across West Lothian from future uncertainties has been given unanimous backing by local councillors.
In the wake of the covid pandemic and lockdowns, and amid a cost of living crisis, a review will be carried out into ways of protecting town centre viability.
There was cross-party support for the study at a recent meeting of the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel.
That support was backed with calls with greater engagement with communities and local councillors, and a bold approach to imagine a different future.
“We need to stop thinking in old money,” said Armadale’s Independent councillor Stuart Borrowman.
All town centres have changed rapidly in recent years with the real growth moving from commercial trade such as butchers and bakers and small stores to services such as hairdressing and nail bars. Fears have been expressed in towns such as Bathgate that, while the centre remains vibrant, the diversity and range of businesses is shrinking.
In a report to the committee Stuart Ness, a Tourism and Town Centre Manager with the council said: “West Lothian’s traditional town centres have, over recent years, felt the impact of economic change and changing shopping patterns; further compounded by the unprecedented challenges of the recent pandemic and now the cost of living crisis.
He added: “These changes also offer opportunities and Economic Development works closely with Town Centre Management Groups, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), local trader and business associations, individual businesses and sole traders, all of which bring together local stakeholders with the collective aim of creating more vibrant, sustainable and prosperous
From playing Still Game’s iconic lovable rogue Winston to improvising with Robin Williams, Paul Riley’s comedy career has, in his own words, been “quite the ride”.
Lewis Capaldi is taking fellow West Lothian artists and pals Mark Sharp and the Bicycle Thieves on tour with him.
CCTV images have been released to help trace a hillwalker who was last seen boarding a train a week ago in West Lothian .
A house builder has had a decision on plans for new homes in Bathgate put on hold for two months while uncertainty over missing paperwork is sorted out.
A house has been robbed in broad daylight and jewellery stolen.
A popular golf centre will be able to extend its car park following a decision by Falkirk Council' s executive today (Tuesday).
People from all backgrounds across West Lothian are being urged to consider becoming volunteers.
West Lothian teachers will be taking part in a fresh round of strikes later this month.
A team of global scientists have raised fears the devastating bird flu outbreak could eventually transmit to humans and create a new pandemic.
Pals of a die-hard Rangers fan say "bus trips to Ibrox will never be the same" after his sudden death aged just 59.
Struggling West Lothian healthcare workers are turning to food banks to get them through the cost of living crisis.
A dying West Lothian mum was left on a trolley for two days after suddenly being rushed to hospital with a chest infection.
A frantic search has been launched to trace a missing Scots woman who vanished overnight in West Lothian.
A West Lothian butcher is in the running for a top award but needs local folk to vote.
Men in West Lothian enjoy longer, more healthier lives than many of their peers in other areas of the Lothians - but it’s not great news for women.
Over 12,000 West Lothian households will benefit from the new Winter Heating Payment.
The Scottish SPCA is asking animal lovers to donate food for hedgehogs at a wildlife hospital.
A discount supermarket chain withdrew a planning application to build a new store in Perth after a council department questioned the need for it, the PA has learned.
West Lothian Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick was given a tour of a new housing site aimed at enabling people to live independently.
Proposals that will see West Lothian tenants given cash to buy their rented homes are being welcomed.