‘Land grab outrage’
How local government works: Chapter One. Remember a consultation programme called ‘Ayr Your Views’ back in 2018? I don’t either – but someone at South Ayrshire Council does.And here’s what YOU allegedly said about The Citadel . . . . “The majority of those surveyed felt that the Citadel should be replaced with a more modern facility – and if it were to move closer to the town centre, a third of respondents would use it more often”. What’s wrong with that, you say? Well . . . just the small fact that moving the Citadel was ALREADY part of the SNP’s local plan ...a year before in May 2017! How many ‘respondents’ were there in this survey? How many is“a third”? And what did the other two-thirds prefer? It’s a great concept. 1) Come up with a idea; 2) Come up with a survey that supports your idea; 3) Go ahead with your idea – and claim it’s what everybody wants!
Where have we seen this tactic before? Why not ask the residents and former residents of the Riverside High Flats? 1) SAC decided it was best to knock them down; 2) They held a “consultation” with all the “options” pre-determined by SAC; 3) They decide to knock them down – claiming it’s what everyone wanted. It’s the preferred way SAC does business. It doesn’t look for evidence to support an idea – then make a decision. It makes a decision – then looks for the evidence to support the idea! How local government works: Chapter Two. How could SAC get away with the “land grab” of Common Good ground at Seafield golf course for a‘ golf academy’– the pet project of a single councillor? Especially when it will need a sheriff to approve any change of use of property owned by the people – not the council? Well, why not test the legal water first – in out of the way Girvan?
Girvan was offered a new all-weather football pitch – and “consulted” on where best to put it. The seven options were Hamilton Park, Ainsley Park, Stair Park, Victory Park, Linden Avenue, Girvan Primary School and Girvan Academy. SAC has gone for Victory Park – owned by the Common Good and the most controversial of all options. It’s central location made it top of the list.
As Common Good land, it should never have been ON the list. And SAC knew EXACTLY the game they were playing. Their argument to the sheriff will be same argument as to the High Flats demolition and the new leisure complex –“We’re just delivering what the people wanted”. Is the local councillor in Girvan not opposing this “land grab” outrage? Don’t be silly – locals joke that the new pitch will even be named after a councillor! It IS a joke – isn’t it, Alec?