LOANS Gala has been scrapped for a second year with one councillor calling the move 'shameful'.

It is another case of crushing news for the village as other towns around get set to move into gala season as winter departs.

However, it seems for the second year in a row, funding and lack of organisation has troubled the committee to move forward for another year.

Robbie Spiers, chairman of the Loans Gala committee told the Troon Times a new committee is needed.

He said: "Simply committee members couldn't get involved and there is a lack of funding.

"We are looking to see if we can get a new committee. Last year the Scouts said they could organise it but the council wanted £1000 for stands.

"We couldn't afford that.

"If the council were able to fund the stands we might be able to have the Gala.

"There is a bit of frustration. I have been chairman for six or seven years and quite frankly I have had enough. We could really do with a new committee."

Councillor Nan McFarlane slammed the council for imposing such charges.

She said: "The Loans Gala didn't take place last year because the council decided to make high charges to provide stalls for them.

"Some Carrick community groups brought a petition to the council appealing their decision, but were unsuccessful. Given our unpredictable weather, stalls were the main part of events taking place.

"To ask volunteers to have a rethink of the way those events are to take place, without support from the council is maybe a step to far for them.

"I think it is shameful of the council to impost charges that will only save £13,000, leaving communities without the facilities to hold their events."

Claire Monaghan, Head of Communities at South Ayrshire Council said: “The Council is still working on options to support gala days. However gala day equipment such as stalls is available to organisers for free if they can collect it and return it to the Council once the event is over."