Ex-Roller is on song for Dumbiedykes

Published on Wednesday 9 March 2005 11:58

FORMER Bay City Rollers frontman Nobby Clark has turned environmental campaigner in a bid to spruce up a city-centre housing estate.

The 53-year-old, who was the original singer with the 70s group, has been appointed chairman of the Dumbiedykes Environmental Group.

Mr Clark, who lives on Holyrood Road, is helping to mastermind the regeneration of the tower blocks.

The singer songwriter said today he wanted to make the estate, which lies in the shadow of the Scottish Parliament, a safe and inviting area.

He said: "More money needs to be spent here. The estate is surrounded by beautiful, costly buildings and we need to dispel the image of Dumbiedykes as a frightening and tired place.

"The council has already financed the fitting of new doors, windows and elevators, but unbeknown to passers-by who continue to avoid the grounds, mainly out of fear.

"We want to create signposted routes and access points from the park so that people will traverse the estate to get to the parliament or Dynamic Earth. An outdoor play area for children is being talked about as well. It’s a really exciting time."

Landscaping work is already under way, and new allotments and gardens are also being created.

Mr Clark, who left the Rollers before they made it big in 1974, is also set to unveil a new cafe in the Braidwood community centre on the estate later this week.