Don’t ruin our town any more
Last month, seven committee members of the Community Action Group met with the two leaders of South Ayrshire Council ( SAC) about the Station Hotel.
We wanted to know what the officials had found. They had served a Dangerous Building Notice and we wanted the update on that and on the Structural Engineers’ Report which the council were getting. We were told that the officials found conditions worse than had been thought, for instance, the basement was two thirds full of water. This turned out to be a red herring as there was 20mm of water when the council leader later investigated. We were told that the engineers’ report was being commissioned by NetworkRail and not the council. We suggested the council consider using Compulsory Purchase and split the hotel into manageable parts to pass on to other owners to develop. This could mean for example part of it being a bijoux hotel, part a block of flats. ( The Smith Street section which is similar to the “single end” Glasgow tenements which have been converted to larger flats). A section could be a social centre with running costs funded from an income stream from a community cafe and restaurant. There are several possibilities. On the basis that the Action Group could show guaranteed funding with no additional council expense, plus produce a credible Business Plan. This was agreed by the council leader and later confirmed. All very difficult for the Group to achieve but a least something. As there was £ 20million available for Scotrail from Scottish Government sources to build a glass and steel new station to last 25 years, and £ 3m to £ 4.5m to demolish the hotel the council might have to locate, we thought there must be money somewhere and we might manage to find it. There were various other heritage sources as well as lottery one could apply for, and part of the complex might be saleable for commercial purposes. The main thing was to avoid replacing a lovely old red Ballochmyle stone station with a glorified bus shelter like Gourock station. The engineers’ report is starting soon. First comes moving passengers and staff, ticket office and essential amenities out of the way and then making the building safe for inspection by clearing rubble and plaster, etc. The inspection can follow. It involves all aspects of the building including every joist, gutter, etc. and will take many weeks. It is crucial that this is an impartial engineers’ report. The railway companies and council officials have a tendency to like new build. The town of Ayr has historically been attractive and the public appreciate its unique aspects. The newspapers are talking about demolition of the hotel and they may be right. More problems may have been or be found. Public safety must come first but we need be sure before we ruin any more of the town. Esther Clark 2, Ronaldshaw Park, Ayr KA7 2TJ
Let’swelcomeTrump On the July 13, President Donald Trump will be visiting the United Kingdom and it is hoped that he may have sufficient time to visit Scotland.
Whatever one’s view may be as to his presidential style, it is important to recognise that he was elected by a nation which is the leader of the free world and probably our closest ally. That in itself should command respect. In addition, President Trump has invested through his businesses substantial sums in Scotland: in the acquisition and refurbishment of the Trump Turnberry Golf Resort in Ayrshire, and in the construction of a golf course near Aberdeen. The people of Scotland, and in particular those living in Ayrshire, should welcome the president with open arms and great respect. It would seem that he has real affection and regard for Scotland. So how has the SNP seen fit to treat this friend of Scotland? Ever since his election, Nicola Sturgeon has insulted and belittled him and recently has called on the Prime Minister to deny the president red carpet treatment during his forthcoming visit. She purports to speak on behalf of the Scottish people and it should be made clear to him she does not. Civic leaders across Scotland should make it their business to engage with the president, and reassure him that he is welcome and respected. The provosts of Ayrshire, in particular, should express their appreciation of his presence. He does happen to be the most powerful man in the world , investing in Ayrshire. Ms Sturgeon’s pathetic posturing is futile and discredits Scotland. Stanley Brodie Q. C. Balgreen Lodge, Hollybush, Ayr KA6 7EB
FarewellHubby We’ll miss Johnny Hubbard on the number 2 and 6 bus every day between Prestwick and Ayr.
Johnny loved Glasgow Rangers and delighted in telling anyone who would listen that he played for The Rangers. He displayed prodigious courage to travel from South Africa to Scotland as a teenager in the late 1940s. By his tenacity and skill Johnny proved that, despite his slight stature, he was a man of grit, nerve and determination to rise to the top of his chosen profession. RIP Johnny. Eddie England, Ayr