STRATHCLYDE Regional Council is to spend almost #4m in the current

financial year on capital projects to help small and medium sized

businesses. This represents a threefold increase on the previous year.

The programme will be directed at communities identified as economic

strategy priority areas.

Work is to start immediately on several projects. These include:

* Part of the former Goodyear site at Drumchapel in Glasgow where the

region is to develop infrastructure and build approximately 11,000 sq ft

of workspace accommodation.

* New factory units covering 2000 sq ft to complement the existing

Ladyburn Centre in Greenock.

* A number of existing industrial estates in Ayrshire are to be

upgraded in partnership with Cunninghame District Council.

* Sewerage and other infrastructure work on the M80 by-pass site at

Robroyston in conjunction with Glasgow District Council.

Councillor Joe McLean, new chairman of the regional council's economic

and industrial development committee, said: ''We will be able to direct

cash to projects which can do the most good.

''Accommodation for small to medium sized businesses has been

identified as a key element in helping to regenerate communities.

''These units will provide business opportunities for young companies.

This will in turn provide job opportunities for local people.''