Prime Minister asked to investigate delays to Stirling's Forthside project

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been asked to investigate delays to Stirling’s Forthside project.In January 2023, Stirling Council announced it had been awarded £19million from the UK Levelling Up Fund, to put towards development of Ministry of Defence land at Forthside.However, uncertainties still remain over the potential contamination of the land, which has been used as a military installation since 1899.In February this year, local Stirling councillors also expressed their concerns over delays, as well as the potential risk of decontamination costs falling on the council if the site is transferred in an unsuitable condition.Plans for the comprehensive development of Forthside play a prominent role within the wider £90.2m Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, agreed between the Scottish and UK Governments in May 2018.This week, local MP Alyn Smith urged the Prime Minister to step in during PM’s Question Time in the House of Commons on Wednesday.Mr Smith requested an urgent meeting with officials from the UK Government and Stirling Council, to progress the development and push forward plans, with the PM replying: “We have invested in Stirling previously to unlock investment and drive growth.“I will ensure the Honourable Gentleman gets the meeting he needs with the relevant Minister to make progress.” Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.

The SNP MP said later: “I was happy to raise this issue with the Prime Minister – I’ll work with anyone to secure a better future for Stirling.“Development at Forthside is crucial to the success of both our city, and our surrounding communities.“These are tough economic times amidst the cost of living crisis.