Councillors approve two more properties for local group ownership
Falkirk Council has approved a further two Community Asset Transfer (CAT) proposals at the recent Executive (Thursday 1 May 2025), sanctioning the lease of the New Carriden Cemetery Bothy and Bo’ness Public Conveniences.
Part of the Council’s wider Community Asset Transfer programme, the initiative has now helped local groups to take on ownership or management of more than a dozen community facilities within the past six months.
Both leases will be granted to the Buzzness Community Group for £1 per year over a 20-year period.
Buzzness Community Group plans to use the New Carriden Cemetery Bothy as storage space to support its community activities, along with the operation of the Bo’ness Public Conveniences.
Energy efficiency improvements are also being explored for the future.
Community consultation and local support
Buzzness engaged with the community to develop the proposals, through events, social media, and a questionnaire coordinated by the community council, receiving more than 500 responses.
The plans have also been supported by a range of local groups, including schools, sports clubs, and local businesses, who highlighted the benefits to community wellbeing, access to facilities, and the local economy.
The Council's assessment agreed that the group’s governance, leadership, and business planning demonstrate the ability to manage the assets sustainably.
The leases allow the Council to continue its strategy of enabling communities to take control of local facilities.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said:
Community Asset Transfers like these are about more than property - they’re about giving local people the tools to protect and enhance spaces that matter to them.”
“These approved transfers highlight our ongoing commitment to the programme and its goals of building stronger communities through locally led initiatives.
“We’re pleased to see Buzzness Community Group stepping forward to continue delivering services in Bo’ness and making good use of facilities that would otherwise be at risk.