THE South Ayrshire Council leadership have reacted to claims bu opposition councillors that they are lagging behind their North and East Ayrshire Counterparts in using funds to develop towns.

In response to to a recent column from Nan MacFarlane of the SNP, Council Leader Bill McIntosh, said: "The Council’s vision is to work with our partners and communities to make life better in South Ayrshire. That applies to all our towns and villages, which we want to make better places to live, work, study, invest and visit.
 
“We want vibrant town centres that adapt to change and meet people’s needs and attractive traditional villages – all with their own individual character – that can thrive and prosper for the benefit of all. Ultimately, we will make the most of our location, natural assets and people and communities to transform South Ayrshire to become the most dynamic, inclusive and sustainable community in Scotland
 
“For Ayr in particular, work is underway – led by Ayr Renaissance – to refresh the vision, strategy and action plan for the town centre and there will be lots of opportunities for stakeholders and the public to participate in this as we move forward. We need a vision that is current, relevant, realistic and related to the economic and other challenges we’re facing now – not eight years ago.
 
“We’re making positive progress in the town centre, and our focus just now is on the regeneration of the Riverside Block.  Our ambitions for this area will help drive both a vibrant daytime and evening economy, with the provision of high quality public and open spaces, while respecting the historic landscape of the town.
 
“I have no doubt these changes, and the work underway to deliver on our ambitions, will make a positive difference for the people and communities not just of Ayr, but right across South Ayrshire, and we will make that happen.”