DRUMCHAPEL Community Council (DCC) has hit out at the UK Government after it was announced that the Levelling Up Funding for the area is "under review".

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray confirmed last week that many of the funding promises by the last prime minister “didn't have any cash attached".

He said there would be more information in next month’s budget and also in next year’s spending review.

It was confirmed back in November that the UK Government had awarded Glasgow City Council £14.98million to help develop the town centre.

The local authority then pledged a further £1.64m of their own earlier this year, taking the final total to £16.64m.

The council declined to comment when asked if these commitments will remain in place.

The funding was earmarked to "deliver new housing and revamp the town centre, including a new public plaza and an improved transport network with better walking and cycling routes."

However, these proposals now appear to be at risk after Murray's recent comments.

Andrew Lynch, chair of DCC, says the community would be "devastated" if the funding is reduced or cut.

(Image: Colin Mearns) "There is a real concern over whether these plans will now come to fruition," he said.

"It should be the start of something really positive for the community after years of little investment.

"It would be devastating if the funding was taken away.

"Even the fact it is under review has put a dark cloud over the area.

"Expectations have been set and people are now understandably frustrated."

READ MORE: Drumchapel residents criticise 'vague' GCC housing communications

The funding has also been earmarked to include enhanced community facilities, new green space and street furniture and work to address local flooding issues.

Design teams are currently being put together by the council, and a project programme which includes further public consultation is being prepared. 

Andrew also feels it would "destroy morale" if the funding was taken away.

"It is not a good look for the new Westminster government if this happens on the back of cutting the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners," he continued. 

"The community council has previously done a lot of work to highlight the Levelling Up Fund and what it can bring to the area.

"We also questioned some of the plans in a tough but fair way, so a lot of effort and time has been dedicated to this.

"I really hope the UK Government recognise the plight of deprived communities and supports their enhancement, rather than taking away positive projects.

"To be frank, Drumchapel has been in decline for the last 20 to 30 years and this funding feels like one of the last chances to try and renew the place."

With chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget set to be announced on October 30, Andrew hopes Drumchapel's funding will not be collateral damage.

"To be promised support and then potentially have it taken away would be a real blow," he added.

"It will destroy people's morale. The public is sick of hearing broken promises from politicians and I really hope this investment does not fall into that category."

Patricia Ferguson, Labour MP for Glasgow West, said: "The UK Government has inherited a £22 billion in year black hole in the accounts from the previous administration, who had spent the Treasury reserves three times over by July of this year.

"Following on from crashing the economy with unfunded spending plans the Tories were all set to do it again.

"It is right that the Labour government is taking action to get the books in order and being honest with the country about the situation.

"I want to see investment in our local communities and decisions about funding will be made following the Spending Review.

"I will be arguing strongly for the Drumchapel project and doing everything in my power to ensure our government honours the commitment to Drumchapel, in spite of the problems we have inherited.”