The Lochside Community Collective, made up of Lochside residents, will act as a vital link between the community, Wheatley Homes South, Dumfries and Galloway Council and other partners, making sure the public’s voice is at the heart of the transformation.

The first meeting of the group marks another significant milestone in the £130 million regeneration of Lochside.

The transformation will see existing Wheatley homes upgraded, hundreds of new energy-efficient homes built, and significant investment in active travel routes and green spaces.

Since the regeneration first launched, more than 1500 Wheatley customers, residents, and business owners have shared their views, highlighting the widespread support for investment in the area.

Sarah Ramsay is the chair of the Lochside Community Collective. Sarah, 38, was born and brought up in Lochside, where she lives with her husband and three children.

She said: “I’m very proud to be the chair of the new Lochside Community Collective and help play my part in this regeneration.

“One of the roles of this new group is linking the community with Wheatley and the council to help deliver this regeneration, while also making sure that the voice of the whole community is heard throughout the process.

“As someone who was born and brought up in Lochside and still lives in the area, I hope that future generations of my family will also call it home. I believe that this regeneration will play a huge part in transforming Lochside and making it is a place that families want to live in.”

Alex Lamb, managing director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “I’m delighted that members of the new Lochside Community Collective have come together for its first meeting.

“The Lochside Community Collective will play a crucial role in ensuring that local voices are heard and that the plans for the area truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

“Their involvement from the outset will help us deliver a transformation that benefits everyone in Lochside, both now and for generations to come.”