Campbell blasted by furious residents
South Ayrshire Council’s leader was put into the firing line by a group of angry residents.
Douglas Campbell accepted an invitation from the Fort Residents Association who were desperate to have their worries addressed last week.
Before answering questions Mr Campbell opened the meeting at Ayr Baptist Church by addressing the Council’s current issues.
But first he addressed the crowd by insisting he still believes South Ayrshire Council are doing a ‘ good job’, they had third best schools in Scotland and their home care provision had received a good report and they were also amongst the top local authorities for tenant repair activity – and their roads were the second best in Scotland.
Mr Campbell went on to insist that he expects progress to be made on the Station Hotel soon and he said the Council have arranged to purchase Belleisle Hotel and they have funds set aside to make it safe.
The SNP council leader emphasised the importance of Prestwick Airport and advised that the new owner would be announced shortly.
The 1960s Council Offices at Burns House will be demolished next year and he revealed the Council’s plans for an open modern events space at the Riverside Development site at the bottom of Ayr High Street.
The meeting was thrown open for questions the Fort residents revealed their criticism of those proposals.
Eric said: “The architect’s scheme was deemed to be far too modern and not in sympathy with the history surrounding that part of Ayr and the surrounding buildings. “
Mr Campbell came into further criticism when he revealed the Council planned to spend £ 36m demolishing the Citadel Leisure Centre, providing a new Olympic size swimming facility at the Hourstons and Arran Mall site at the top of the High Street.
Eric said: “A resident advised he had seen fully audited costs which showed the Citadel could be upgraded to an “as good as new” condition for an expenditure of £ 9m. Mr Campbell made no comment.”
Meanwhile the council leader was asked why his plans for the common good land at the seafront was secretive.
Eric said: “He revealed plans for a restaurant at the former putting green. But that was heavily criticised by several members who felt there were already restaurant and café facilities which were closed in the winter due to lack of footfall.
“Questions were asked as to why the Council could not allow the putting green and crazy golf to be operated by volunteers who could lease the facilities direct from the Council and run at no cost. Mr Campbell made no comment.”
Questions were asked with regard to the recent cancellation of the Airshow and the detrimental financial impact this would have on the town.
Eric said: “Mr Campbell responded by saying the Council had a responsibility to protect taxpayers’ money and they were not satisfied with the recent financial transparency of the Air Show organisers. He said the Council were hoping to resurrect the Show by opening discussions with others.” The meeting ended with Mr Campbell being thanked by Chair Trina McNicol for his attendance.