Funding has been secured to appoint a part time community worker at Linlithgow’s Community Development Trust (CDT).
The person appointed will work at the community centre to help villagers in Bridgend with projects including a tool library.
It’s one of several rejuvenation schemes under way in to rebuild the once thriving village east of Linlithgow.
Local councillor Pauline Orr praised the efforts of the villagers for the work they have done to improve lives in the village and thanked the Council’s Anti- poverty service manager Nahid Hanif , and her staff for their efforts in the ward.
She told a meeting of Linlithgow Local Area Committee: “There’s a lot of great work going on in Bridgend and I’d like to thank everyone who plays a part to make that happen. It’s just been fantastic to see how the community has begun to grow again over the last two or three years.”
A report to the committee said: “Linlithgow CDT has secured funding for and recruited via the Rural Community Local Led Development fund a 16 hour per week project worker for Bridgend.
“Their role will include extending the offer of the tool library, developing collection and delivery service for the repair shop, monthly workshops around Climate Action themes such as insulation, energy saving, clothing repair.
“The role the project worker will follow up on the consultation door knocking exercise that took place in April, they will be working with partners to set up a volunteer group in the village to try and build local capacity.
“The CDT now offer long term loan of bikes and e-bikes for people to build cycling into their lifestyles. The hope is to encourage take up in Bridgend.”
Bridgend is an area of deprivation in West Lothian targeted by the council’s community wealth building team to help villagers.
A weekly food hub has been revived and groups such as Youthspace have organised a summer of events for youngsters.
The Cyrenians OPAL (Older People Active Lives) Project works with people aged 60 and above, promoting active and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching communities which empower all to remain independent, living at home and socially connected.
They have secured funding to deliver their Tea in the Park event which will be held in Bridgend golf club on 22 September 2026. The event aims to bring older people together with music, dancing and an afternoon tea.
A report to the committee by Brian Manderson from the Anti-Poverty Service highlighted the work done in the Linlithgow ward over the year.
In total, 4% of the council’s Advice Shop customers in West Lothian came from the Linlithgow ward area.
Successful outcomes secured for these customers include:- Total financial gains of £1,346,435 million by maximising income from social security benefits, Energy efficiency savings of £19,507 through access to financial support and advice.
The Advice Shop also offered support to deal with £315,459 of problem debt resulting in reduction in debt repayments of £141,367.
In the ward it issued 75 emergency food vouchers and 55 fuel vouchers for households at risk of disconnection,
Chairing the meeting, Councillor Sally Pattle said: “ A huge thank you for everything that you are doing, and the way you report it to us. It is really transparent the difference you are making to people’s lives.”
Councillor Orr said: “I have spoken to Nahid number of times about trying to get attendance into Bridgend to allow the community easy access to support. Even something like transport can be an issue when you are struggling for money. I am just so pleased that she has been able to secure the income to make it possible to do that. I really hope the venture is successful in guiding people out of poverty and hardship.”
