Kirknewton, West Lothian The Development Trust Who are the Development Trust? Kirknewton Community Development Trust (KCDT) is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It was set up by a group of local people to take forward community renewable energy projects in Kirknewton in May 2009. KCDT is a member of The Development Trust Association Scotland. It has a strong ethos of self-help and of empowering local people to tackle local issues themselves. Its Board is made up of eight people from the local community who are all active in furthering the interests of their local community and undertake these roles on a voluntary basis. KCDT has a rapidly growing membership within the local community with over 150 members. The aims of KCDT focus on the key areas of sustainability and carbon reduction and social aims for the regeneration of the area. Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Taking forward community renewable energy projects and promoting the use of renewable technologies for domestic energy generation and heating. Developing a strategy for promoting local, seasonal food. Promoting energy efficiency in homes and community buildings and raising public awareness of energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Developing a strategy for promoting sustainable transport in the area. Protecting enhancing the environment and public open spaces in the local area. Regeneration of the area Promoting educational and employment opportunities for adults and young people in the local area. Encouraging new social enterprises in the area especially those that develop local resources sustainably. Developing practical initiatives for the alleviation of fuel poverty within the local area. KCDT has made significant achievements in all the above areas in the relatively short time it has been in existence. With the establishment and recognition in the village of the Development Trust, including support by the Community Council, it is felt that they are the most suitable body to take forward a Development Plan for Kirknewton.
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