HighFlatsandCop26

Councillor Saxton’s letter in your edition of 17 November misses the point of the article referring to the handling and dealing with the High Flats by South Ayrshire Council.

From the outset, it was challenged by the residents that the choices given to them were skewed in favour of the official desired result.

At no time was the consultation interpretation by SAC balanced or fair. This is a matter of fact. Notwithstanding the decision and all that has gone before, times have moved on, and dramatically.

Before the Leadership Panel on 23 November 2021 is a Report subject: “Annual Climate Change Duty Reporting 2020-21” which recognises the urgency of compliance with the Cop26 agenda.

Paragraph 4.2 states: “Members are asked to note the analysis of the report findings as set out in Appendix 2 and consider these as they progress these areas of work.”

In particular….4.2 ii states “The biggest within boundary carbon reductions however are to be gained through the reduction and retrofitting of our estate and review of the capital programme. Without this council targets cannot be met.”

Appendix 2 goes on “...turning the attention to tackling the net zero refurbishments of existing buildings will be all the more urgent and require increasing capital and staff resources.”

These 234 all electric, insulated,safe, habitable, flats which add to the desired footfall of the town centre, on the other side of Turner’s Bridge, substantially contribute to the social and townscape of Ayr.

They cannot possibly be replicated by the alternative of 90 houses as proposed.

The retrofitting can be simply achieved one block at a time without decanting off site. This can be a win win situation for everyone and can demonstrate that this council is in line with, and supports, the national effort to reduce carbon emissions.

South Ayrshire Council must readdress this urgent issue on a non party basis.

Things have changed fundamentally and it is certainly not too late to change this decision to demolish. Norman McLean Chairman

Fort Seafield & Wallacetown community Council