NEWS UPDATE - 22/05/2020
Before lockdown I had plans in place to be able to keep every household in my ward up to date with what’s being happening within the ward as well as what I had been doing from a council point of view. With lockdown happening, these plans have had to be put on hold however please be assured when we return to normal I have some exciting things planned to keep you updated but more importantly involved.
As most will be aware, the First Minister set out yesterday The Scottish Government Covid - 19 4 phase Routemap to take us safely out of lockdown. After 8 weeks of lockdown which has been challenging and testing for many, some more than others, I’m sure we can all agree that it’s the light at the end of the tunnel we have all being waiting for. I have attached the link for fully comprehensive details on exactly what each phase means and what we should expect.
This week seen Mental Health Awareness week with the theme being, kindness. As I’ve said previously I have been blown away by the community spirit within the ward with many helping those in the shielding category and those most vulnerable with selfless acts of kindness but more importantly I’ve seen a huge increase of kindness in how we use social media. As a politician, sadly, I know only too well the abuse that comes with the territory of being an elected member, as I’ve been on the receiving end of many unpleasant comments and targeted abuse however I’m hoping that if anything, lockdown has taught us a new way in how we treat people both online and off. Mental health is so important and it’s important that you seek help if you are struggling.
From an elected members stance we have continued with our regular group meeting on Monday’s giving the SNP councillors a chance to discuss pressing issues in each ward but also to discuss any council action that needs taken from an administration point of view.
WARD ISSUES
Traffic lights out at Holmston Road and Chalmers Road side of Castlehill Road junction. This has been reported to Ayrshire Roads Alliance who are still carrying out emergency work. You can report any issues to either myself or via the website at the link below - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Faults/Faults.aspx
Overflowing water toby on Castlehill Road. This has been reported to Scottish Water which I’m pleased to say has been fixed.
Mossgeil road-blocked sewage pipe causing an overflowing manhole. This has been reported to Scottish Water.
I’ve had several reports of individuals gathering along the river Ayr walk and drinking. Obviously the weather impacts this as groups are unlikely to hang about in the rain. I am in regular contact with the ward police liaison officer and any further issues will be passed on.
COUNCIL ISSUES
HIGH STREET FIRE - After the fire on Sunday in the High Street, the Council are working with an emergency specialist contractor who are now on site and will start to remove some of the fire damaged structure from the building which will remove any immediate danger from falling debris and make the site safer. Investigations are ongoing by fire and police services looking to ascertain the cause and consequences of the fire.
Unfortunately a road closure has been put in place on the High Street to allow this work to continue safely. The closure will be in force for around two or three days.
BULKY ITEMS - We will reintroduce the special uplift service from Monday 25th May. From Tuesday 19th May, residents will be able to go online and book an uplift. Please see here
https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/bulkyuplifts/
WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE - It’s the news you’ve been waiting for! Our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will re-open on Monday 1 June at 8:00am. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for the much anticipated re-opening of our HWRCs.
In addition to our HWRCs at Ayr, Girvan, Maybole and Troon, we will also set up two pop-up sites in Ayr and Girvan for general/black bag waste. We know that many of you will be eager to access the sites, so we expect that they will all be very busy in the first few weeks of re-opening, so please only go along if it’s absolutely essential.
Trailers, vans or horse boxes will NOT be permitted within any site before Monday 15 June.
RIVERSIDE BLOCK - Following two previous public consultation events for the Ayr Riverside site, the third and final consultation event is now open.
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, all information will be available online.
You will be able to view images and narrative on the proposals for the site, which have been developed in line with suggestions arising from the Ayr Your Views campaign.
The information will be available to view and comment on until Monday 25 May 2020, and is available here: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations/ayr-your-views/riverside-site.aspx
Please take the time to read and submit any comments you wish to raise and encourage family and friends to do the same.
FOR INFORMATION
UNWANTED DOORSTEP CALLERS - Have you had any unwanted doorstep calls and leaflets from people offering a range of services? See below for details on how to get the newly produced door sticker which can be used to deter unwanted callers and mailers.
If you’d like to request a free doorstep warning sticker please contact 01292 616 101, alternatively you can download one from https://beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/19533/Trading-Standards-and-Environmental-Health. I also have a small number of them that I can give out.
SCAMS - There has been reports of fraudsters posing as charity volunteers offering to help with shopping, offering fake virus testing, or claiming to be raising funds for charity.
If you have any concerns, contact 0300 123 0900 and ask for Trading Standards and Environmental Health.
As ever if you have any issues please feel free to contact me via my email chris.cullen@south-Ayrshire.gov.uk
Take Care & Stay Safe
Councillor Chris Cullen