PRESTWICK residents were shocked to learn that at a community meeting that Sainsbury"s takeover of the former Centrum site is not a done deal.

Over 140 people packed into Prestwick Academy last Wednesday to have their say on what is going to happen to the former ice hockey land - with a staggering amount believing that the supermarket was definitely coming.

Only two audience members were in favour of Sainsbury"s proposals with others insisting there was no need for another supermarket and that Prestwick, which they called Ayrshire"s 'jewel in the crown', should be given another leisure facility to compensate for the loss of the Centrum.

Speaking during the meeting resident David Roberts, who lives directly opposite the Centrum, said: 'I agree about the state of the building so I will be pleased to see it gone but not pleased that we have lost another leisure facility. I don"t think we will stop the Sainsbury"s deal. They will be an organisation making money, I think we have the chance to make another facility for the young people. My only concern is I don"t know what the plan is for young people. How are we going to get athletes to the Commonwealth games? - we are not doing anything.' But David"s neighbour Moira Stewart said: 'I had to look at that dreadful building for all these years and I think the best thing that could have happened was for it to be demolished. It is my view that the land should be gifted to the town for the enjoyment of the people of South Ayrshire.' Resident David Peterson spoke at his horror of having one less sports facility in the area.

He said: 'We had one of the best arenas in the land, we got it and now 20 years later we have closed it, any council would have given their right arm for it, it is an absolute disgrace.' Local man David Robertson said: 'The Centrum is beyond saving because of the way the building had been allowed to fall into disrepair. At a previous meeting Hugh Hunter said he would do everything he could but I haven"t seen a lot happen. Every time someone goes to him he refers to the owners but I don"t blame Mr Hunter of his administration for this.' The meeting was arranged by Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe after his office was flooded with concerns by residents.

Prestwick Councillors" Hugh Hunter, Stan Fisher and Helen Moonie also attended.

If Sainsbury"s opens in Prestwick it could see up to 200 new jobs being created but resident have major concerns over local shops being hit and traffic congestion.

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