Shedding a light on gloom town

Festive lights in Troon could remain up ALL YEAR to add sparkle to the streets.

It has emerged that the 40 sets of LED lamppost decorations only cost £ 20 a month to run.

And as Troon town centre suffers a lack of lamp standards compared to Prestwick, a meeting heard they are ideal to beat the gloom.

The lights are part of the campaign to try and turn the tide against indoor malls and offer something different in Troon.

David Grant, chairman of Troon Business Association, is seeking Business Improvement District status to “push the town forward”.

There are currently 24 Scottish towns with the ability to attract public grant money on the back of a business cash “levy” collected directly from firms via rates.

David said: “Prestwick for example is a few months ahead of us but we are seeking funding of up to £ 35,000 for a consultation to pull together all the information needed.

“The town will be broken down sector by sector to see what we need to do for the future. The businesses in Troon will then give a yes or no on it.”

If it gets the go- ahead, all businesses large and small would have to contribute – meaning a golden pot of up to £ 40,000.

Largs already has the status and used the funds for an annual food festival.

Councillor Nan McFarlane said now is the time for community and business to fund things such as the Christmas lights rather than South Ayrshire Council.

She added: “This is a change for us to do things differently and not rely on the council. There are other ways of funding.”

It came despite claims both Prestwick and Ayr got contributions from the council.

The council did not supply any of the lights this year as the five gantries that used to hang across the street are rusted and beyond use.

Community Council Chairman Helen Duff said she only became aware the council had no plans to put anything up a day before Wintertainment. She added: “We are really grateful for the lamppost lights as we had nothing from South Ayrshire.”