‘ Mixed’ feedback for town revamp
Council office revolt
Council bosses admit “mixed opinions” have greeted their plans to overhaul Ayr town centre.
Hundreds turned out at a public exhibition on the new look, which includes a controversial £ 11 million office block.
And officials, who have faced more than 300 objections, claim they will take the “constructive conversation” on board.
It comes as community leaders prepare to mount their own protest at a specially convened Town Hall meeting on Tuesday.
Norman McLean, chair of Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council, is leading the summit to discuss the “unprecedented number of objections”.
All community councils have been invited to send a representative to speak.
It follows the council’s three- day exhibition, which also featured plans to revamp the old Ayr Academy and Clydesdale Bank.
Council leader, Douglas Campbell, said: “Our exhibition in Ayr attracted a healthy turnout and visitors enjoyed constructive conversations with staff on the projects being brought forward, with mixed opinions helping to provide wider context on public opinion.
“Taken as a whole I’m confident that plans to breathe new life into parts of the historic town centre will help to leave a positive legacy for residents and visitors alike, with further updates on all the projects featured expected in the coming months.”
Council opposition leader, Tory Martin Dowey, said: “Let’s hope this public consultation is a lot more meaningful than the last one.”
• The public meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 18 at Ayr Town Hall from 7pm. All welcome.