The organisations are looking for assistance to create a housing-led masterplan which will lead to new, high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local people.

Tenants, residents and business owners have been offered a series of methods – online, face-to-face, paper survey or email – to help shape a masterplan for the area.

In recent weeks, every home has also received a newsletter outlining the steps taken so far and how residents can contribute to the consultation.

Alan Glasgow, managing director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “It’s important the community voice is heard at every stage of this process as it is those views which will shape and influence the proposals.

“Along with Dumfries and Galloway Council, we have been engaging with the community in Lochside to get views as to what the regeneration will look like. So far, over 1000 people have had their say.

“The views of people in Lochside are crucial to shaping the regeneration and we would invite anyone who hasn’t had their say, to share their views on what the future of the area will look like.”

Councillor Ian Carruthers, chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee, said: “Our council and Wheatley Homes are working together on ambitious plans for the regeneration of Lochside, but It’s the voice of the community of Lochside that we need to hear. What does the community want for their own area? Please take the time to participate and share your ideas.”

Vice chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor David Inglis, said: “Our council and Wheatley Homes have already had some discussions with local people and we recognise that the community of Lochside want new, modern, efficient homes, green spaces and improved transport links. No one is better placed to shape Lochside’s future than the residents themselves. Please drop in to the session and have a chat: Help us to shape your future community.”

Lochside residents can have their say by visiting the following link.

The plans are part of the commitments made to customers in Dumfries and Galloway following Wheatley Homes South, previously DGHP, joining Wheatley Group in 2019. These commitments included making improvements to homes and services, upgrading existing homes and delivering hundreds of new homes across the region.

Smith Scott Mullan Associates and Wardell Armstrong are the design team engaged in the community consultation and running the events.