£2.5m boost for the most deprived area of East Dunbartonshire

AN area of Kirkintilloch believed to be the poorest in the district is getting a £2.5million community centre.

The facility will replace the current building, in Meiklehill Road, Hillhead, which dates back to the Second World War.

The centre is used by many groups and includes a cafe and creche.

Councillors gave the green light for the new facility at a full council meeting recently.

It’s part of proposals set out in a ‘Place Pilot’ for the area.

East Dunbartonshire Council is leading the plans with a range of partners.

According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, Hillhead is the area in greatest need within East Dunbartonshire.

Plans for a Hillhead Family Centre – proposed to be located in Hillhead Nursery School – were also approved.

Kirkintilloch East and Twechar councillors have welcomed the plans.

Work to develop a Family Learning Community in Hillhead is underway. One of the central aims is to boost employment.

The average unemployment rate in 2009 was 19 per cent and around 30 per cent of households were classified as “income deprived”.

Other proposals for the area include a community safety project, and a canal and open space project.