Published on:
12
September 2016
The leaders of Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils have joined forces to back the City Deal bid that could re-energise the area's economy for generations to come.
Johanna Boyd, Leader of Stirling Council, and Bobby McGill, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said both Councils had agreed to work together to help secure a City Deal and reposition the area as an economic and cultural powerhouse.
Work on the bid programme started 18 months ago and has included extensive consultation involving local people, elected members, national agencies, all types of business, the University of Stirling, Forth Valley College and the Stirling City Commission. It is designed to benefit the entire city region; boosting its national and global profile, and delivering a healthier, wealthier and greener future for all its residents. A pledge has been created to gather support for the bid.
Councillors Boyd and McGill said the Councils' shared ambition and commitment to working together was rooted in a firm economic analysis, and a desire to deliver growth in a way that tackles poverty and inequalities. It's envisaged the programme will include joint and independent projects.
Johanna Boyd said: "We know that a City Deal would be a game-changer, allowing us to improve the prospects and quality of life for all our people. This is about much more than infrastructure - it's about developing skills and employability, social innovation, housing, transport and clean energy, and delivering improvements and opportunities for our rural areas."
Bobby McGill said: "Clackmannanshire has great potential and I believe there could be significant jobs growth if the Council and its community planning partners collaborate with those in Stirling who share the same ambitions for growth."