Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has welcomed South Lanarkshire Council’s Masterplan for Hamilton Town Centre.

Following the masterplan’s unveiling last week, MPs and MSPs were given a full briefing on the ideas for revitalising the town centre.

The publication of the masterplan comes after Ms Crawley’s Hamilton Town’s Future consultation report which made eight key recommendations based on the views of the people of Hamilton.

Included within the report are recommendations to update the parking regime, review business rates and diversify the types of businesses within the town centre.

Ms Crawley welcomed the masterplan but called on the council to publish more detailed plans so the impacts of the masterplan can be fully understood.

Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said:

“The publication of South Lanarkshire Council’s masterplan is a positive step towards a brighter future for Hamilton Town Centre.

“I have been invested in the future of Hamilton since I was first elected in 2015 so it is pleasing to see that the hard work that has been going on has led to the publication of these high-level plans.

“However, the plans lack some detail which will need to be finalised so we will know what the impact of the masterplan will be.

“The council needs to ensure that the existing businesses in the town centre are listened to and supported as the plans progress.

“Residents also need to be heard to ensure the people of Hamilton are able to shape the vision for the town’s future and, in turn, are incentivised to use the town centre.

“These plans will soon be going out to a public consultation and I would urge the people of Hamilton to take part.”