“One Carluke” team bid for fresh start

A renewed spirit of collaboration and team work has come to the fore, following a meeting in Carluke bringing together the major community organisations, South Lanarkshire Council and local politicians with the aim of creating a united voice for the town centre

Attending the meeting included Carluke Development Trust, Carluke BID, Carluke Community Council, Aileen Campbell MSP, Angela Crawley MP and South Lanarkshire Council, with support also provided by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Architecture & Design Scotland.

Attendees have agreed to work under the banner of One Carluke – this will provide a platform to create a united vision for the town building on the consultation exercises over the past months and with a view to translate ambitions of the town into a reality by working in partnership with Carluke at its heart.  The new team will take a whole town approach to help realise the potential of Carluke building on the strengths of the town to achieve positive outcomes.

Commenting, Tom Sneddon of Carluke Development Trust said:

“Working under the banner of One Carluke gives us a great opportunity to build on and develop the issues raised within Carluke Conversation and the work of the BID and Community Council. We are all determined to turn words into action to make things better for the town and look forward to working with more stakeholders, community groups and individuals as the process develops.”

Phil Prentice of Scotland’s Towns Partnership said:

“Scotland’s Towns Partnership is really encouraged to see a collaborative and joined up approach with One Carluke – together the Carluke BID, the Council, MP, MSP, The Development Trust and the Community Council can make much more impact working to their particular strengths as opposed to working individually.”

Angela Crawley, MP for Lanark & Hamilton East, said:

“It is welcome and encouraging that community organisations from across Carluke have joined forces to regenerate the town.

“It is no secret that the town centre has struggled to remain viable and without change will continue to. But with new enthusiasm and ideas, Carluke can emerge as a successful town again.

“I am looking forward to working with the group on their journey to bring people, business and jobs back to the local area.”

Aileen Campbell, MSP for Clydesdale, said:

“Working together in partnership, we can achieve greater outcomes for Carluke and bring about the real and tangible improvements that people in the town want to see. I am very encouraged by the collaborative effort demonstrated thus far by everyone involved, and pledge to provide any support I can with One Carluke.”