£1-a-year deal set to breath new life into market garden

A FORMER market garden in West Lothian is to be transformed after councillors agreed to lease it to a community group for just £1 a year.

West Lothian Council had been offered £4000 a year for the site in Polbeth by a businessman but decided to take the lower offer, saying the benefits of the community group plan were worth more than the cash.

Polbeth and West Calder Community Garden (PWCCG) will take over the land for three years.

The site was operated as a market garden by a charity until its funding ceased in the mid 2000s. It has remained empty since the charity folded.

PWCCG said the land would become a valuable and positive focal point for the area, providing a range of social, recreational, educational and environmental opportunities.

Executive councillor for development and transport, Cathy Muldoon, said: “The area is in a great location and is well placed to attract visitors from across West Lothian. The proposals will hopefully help regenerate the land and promote a sustainable future which will benefit the community.”