Cllr reacts to ‘ shocking’ new figures
“Shocking, “disappointing” and “deeply concerning”– just some of the words used by local councillors to describe the rise in deprivation levels for hard- pressed families in the Ayr North ward.
The revelation that the ward is getting worse and has now jumped to being the 22nd most deprived area in the entire country has been met with dismay.
In 2016 it was ranked 64th in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.
And it’s fair to assume that this latest ranking is one no- one wanted.
Labour councillor Ian Cavana said: “These are very, very disappointing figures for Ayr North.
“Deprivation, yet again, raises its ugly head for people in my ward.
“The jump in Ayr North is nothing but shocking and although we try our best to alleviate this, the figures are going the wrong way.
“Unemployment, housing and people on benefits is appalling.
“We are adding new houses in the area when the John Pollock Centre comes down to try and alleviate the housing problem we have.
“Universal Credit, of course, comes in to the benefits system which, in my opinion, is not making things any easier at this time.
“We seriously need to look at this situation, not just in Ayr North, but all over the country, as the rich get richer the poor get poorer.”
The figures have been met with disappointment across the political spectrum as Conservative Councillor Ian Davis said these figures were deeply concerning.
He said: “They show that all levels of government need to do more to address the issues measured by the SIMD.
“That will require the root causes of the issues in our communities to be addressed, d, and not just have a sticking plaster approach to the consequences.
“This is something I have long ng argued for, and I will continue to do so to improve the lives of the he residents in Ayr North.”