Noeasyjobahead

I am pleased that Bob Shields has taken up the challenge to stand for election, as an independent candidate in the Ayr West ward for South Ayrshire Council.

No-one can be certain of anything these days, but I reckon Bob will be a “shoe in” to be elected on May 5 and I wish him well with this task.

I would ask Bob to remember that thanks to 10 years of Tory austerity, emanating from Westminster, two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Brexit debacle, plus inflation running at 8 per cent, fuelling the cost-ofliving crisis, it has not been easy for local authorities throughout the UK to maintain important and valuable public services.

Local councils operate at a level closest to the public need and Bob and any other new councillor will find that there are many important council services that go unrecognised by the general population, but which need resource, time and attention to detail, through the various scrutiny panels and committees.

There are many issues apart from the High Flats and the Station Hotel to be considered, however I do accept, these are valid local issues of concern.

Bob will find if elected, that council officers and staff are dedicated and knowledgeable in their role as public administrators and will go the extra mile to provide, information, help and guidance in order to assist elected members.

It should be remembered that high streets up and down the land are in dire straits, due to internet shopping, out of town shopping centres and high property rental costs.

There are no easy answers out there and beware of unintended consequences. “Carpe diem” Bob.

Finally in response to Mr Ian Stewart, of course anyone can carp, or complain to the local press, or whoever, but I am afraid when it comes to the closure of post offices, this is not in the remit of local councillors, but if they are willing and able to assist well and good.

Suffice to say the calculated rundown of the Post Office network and services, put in place by successive Westminster parties, for more than 20 years, is a national disgrace.

With regard to poverty issues, why do we have child poverty at 25 per cent here in the UK.

Fuel poverty, the need for foodbanks and one of the lowest state pensions in Europe, in this the fifth wealthiest economy in the world?

Alex Oattes, Lindston Place, Ayr