Willow Wood Park has again been offered for sale by the landowners, Cresswell and Joan Welch. This is the second time that the Community will attempt to exercise their Community Right to Buy, the last attempt in 2008 failed when the landowners withdrew from the sale, disputing the independent valuation.
The Directors of Willow Wood (West Lothian) Community Company have informed Scottish Ministers that they will proceed with the due process of the Right to Buy legislation.
Members of the Company and Willow Wood residents attended a three hour surgery on Tuesday 8 June 2010 dropping in to meet the company directors and neighbours to update themselves on the current position or indeed just to discuss matters. it was obvious from the high turnout that there is still enthusiasm among the majority of residents to try to acquire the park as a community buyout. The general feeling was that any real security of tenure, community growth and greater community spirit would only happen after a change of the present regime.
The process now goes to independent valuation and the preparation of a new business plan and funding applications.
The Community, on this occasion, has been heartened by the offer of assistance from the West Lothian Business Gateway, which has appointed a consultant, Martin Thomson, to assist the Community in their business ambitions.
