The idea is to give the people of Dumfries an opportunity to invest directly in a scheme to improve the quality of life
within the town – and the region.
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?
HOW?
- A bank account has been opened for The People’s Project, - allowing anyone to
make donations large or small (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 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!
We would perhaps require one salaried employee, capable of “spinning lots of plates” – who would
require excellent communication and people skills.
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.
THE FIRST PROJECT
As already intimated, the area desperately requires some much needed leisure facilities and a town centre draw.
Could the “Loreburn Hall” 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.
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.
Open a bank account as soon as possible, - and hopefully people like Norman Blount, Norman Currie and David Slater, to
name but a few 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 the money will roll in.
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?
