COMMUNITIES in East Dunbartonshire are set to benefit from a new drive to improve the economic well-being of the area.

East Dunbartonshire Council has teamed up with the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN), Europe's largest green space project, to try and transform areas so that the environment adds value to the economy.

The council has signed up to the CSGN's Local Authority Concordat, to help deliver the CSGN vision and highlight the fundamental role local authorities have to play in helping to achieve the network's aims.

Keith Geddes, chairman of the Central Scotland Green Network Partnership Board, said: "In order to achieve the CSGN aims of delivering a high quality green network that will meet the Scottish Government's environmental, social and economic objectives, we need to share resources, best practice and new thinking."

Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, Rhondda Geekie, said: "We have some very attractive green spaces and areas of natural beauty that are valued highly by the council and local people.

"We are committed to retaining and improving our open spaces and natural resources for local people and visitors to enjoy."

East Dunbartonshire has already benefited from support from CSGN through a number of projects, including the Campsie Fells Feasibility Study and an exploration of the potential health impacts of people using the local canals for active travel and exercise.

The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) hopes to change the face of Central Scotland, by restoring and transforming the landscape of an area stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, to Fife and the Lothians in the east.

For more information go to: www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org