Work is underway to refurbish a local college in Dumfries and Galloway (D&G).

The council's Enterprising DG service is redeveloping the hair and beauty section of D&G College and work is to be complete by the first week in August.

Local sub-contractors have been selected to work on the project, in addition to three pre-apprenticeship students.

Cllr Colin Smyth said the councils main aim is to build the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses.


"One of the main aims in establishing the Enterprising wing of the Council was to try to keep work within Dumfries and Galloway," he said.

"It's a very competitive market and often contracts go to firms from out with the region. However, if the Enterprising wing of the Council can secure contracts not only does it bring in badly needed income to protect services and jobs at a time when huge cuts are being made to Council's budget, it can allow the Council to sub-contract parts of the work to local businesses.

"In the case of the college work, the sub-contractor also has their own electrical and building apprentices working on the project. In addition the council has directly enlisted the assistance of three pre-apprenticeship students who are studying at Dumfries and Galloway College."

The newly refurbished facility is to be opened in time for the 2016/2017 academic year.

(LM/CD)