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Friday 11 July
Welcome to Council News, your fortnightly update from our council.
Our team is always keen to give you updates on the things that matter the most to you.
We also want to share positive stories about things that are happening in your community.
If you have news that you'd like to share – shining a light on an individual, community group or event – we would love to feature them in our Community bulletin.
Please email us at communitybulletin@dumgal.gov.uk with feedback or story ideas and one of our reporters will get back to you.
Keep Safe in Hot Weather
A Red Warning for extreme heat is in place for the weekend with temperatures expected to be 25 degrees or more in many places.
Dumfries and Galloway Council has a dedicated webpage that gives guidance on health, water scarcity, water safety and wildfire prevention during heatwaves. This webpage is designed as a one-stop shop for householders affected by hot weather. It signposts to help and support available.
When we update it, we'll tell you on our social media so you don't have to keep checking back. You can get our updates by following us on Facebook and X.
During heatwaves, we will also share our partners' posts on our social media (for example, NHS, police, fire service) offering helpful advice and information.
Micro-Surfacing Roll Out
Following a successful trial last year, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Roads Service is rolling out micro-surfacing at multiple locations across the region.
This innovative road maintenance method is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Micro-surfacing is a preventative treatment that helps extend the life of a road by up to 10 to 15 years. A carefully mixed blend of bitumen, stone, cement, and additives is laid over the existing surface, sealing it from water damage and adding a new protective layer. This technique reinforces the damaged road and helps delay the need for more extensive repairs.
Micro-surfacing does require large specialist equipment, so often roads will need to be closed while the work is carried out. Closures will typically take place during the day from 8am to 5pm. Any residents affected by road closures will receive advance notice.
To help the process run smoothly and reduce inconvenience for everyone, you can:
- Look out for yellow advance warning signs with specific road closure details.
- Move your vehicle from the road being treated – if you need it during the day, please park on a nearby street (but check it’s not also part of the treatment plan).
- Use signed diversion routes and follow guidance from site staff.
Thank you for your support. Your cooperation helps us keep our roads safer and smoother for longer.
Business Gateway Grants Now Available
Business Gateway is a free service that provides one-to-one business support, training, and advice to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Dumfries and Galloway.
Business Gateway now has three grants available to support local business.
Enterprise Seed Fund 2025 – Start Up Grant
This grant is for businesses that have just started or are about to start. Grants cover 50% of start-up costs up to a maximum £3000.
Climate Resilience – Net Zero
This is grant funding to mitigate the effect of climate change on Dumfries and Galloway businesses/organisations and to support them to transition towards a net zero future. The grant covers the first £3000 of eligible capital expenditure costs.
Business Growth Grant 2025
Are you a micro business or SME in Dumfries and Galloway looking to expand, innovate, and thrive?
This discretionary grant fund is designed to support the growth of existing businesses within the first 3 years of trading. Whether you’re aiming to create new jobs, reduce energy usage, or move towards net zero carbon emissions, this grant can provide the financial boost you need.
All grants are now open for applications. Further details and case studies are available on the Business Gateway Dumfries website.
Left to right: Councillor Andy Ferguson, Angela Gilmour, Dawn Roberts and Alex Lamb
Lochside Masterplan Launch Celebrated by Community and Partners
The official launch of the £130 million Lochside Masterplan was met with strong community support as over 100 residents gathered at the YMCA centre in Lochside Road to hear from local leaders and partners about the transformational regeneration plans.
The £130 million regeneration is being delivered in partnership with the local community, the council, and Wheatley Homes South.
Over 1300 tenants, residents and local businesses have so far helped shape the community-led regeneration by sharing their views on the future of the area.
The multi-million-pound transformation will see existing Wheatley homes upgraded, hundreds of new energy-efficient homes built, connectivity and active travel routes improved, and new green space in Lochside.
INSPIRE Graduate Programme – Applications Now Open
Our council’s INSPIRE Graduate Programme is now open for applications, offering graduates the chance to kick-start their careers while making a difference in local communities.
The INSPIRE Graduate Programme provides paid placements with opportunities for graduates to work on real projects while developing their skills and experience for the future.
If you know someone who may be interested, please share this opportunity with them.
In the News
We publish all of our press releases from the last 12 months on our website so you can keep up-to-date.
Recent releases include:
- Council’s Facilities Management Team celebrates award success.
- £710,000 investment secured to kickstart Stranraer’s Place Plan.
- Youth Beatz 2025 round up.
Have Your Say
We welcome your feedback and hold public consultations and information days so that you can take part in decisions that affect you.
Watch Council Meetings
We stream videos of a wide range of council meetings on our YouTube channel.
Recent recordings include:
- Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee.
- SWestrans Board meeting.
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