NEWS UPDATE - 9 July 2020

 

I hope this finds you well. The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon announced today that Scotland will now be entering stage 3 of the routemap – news we have all been waiting for.  This is down to the collective efforts of everyone playing their part here in Scotland and we must continue to do so in order to keep moving forward in the right direction.  We must remember the FACTS.

 

Face coverings in enclosed spaces.

Avoid crowded places.

Clean hands and surfaces regularly.

Two metre distancing.

Self-isolate & book a test if you have symptoms.

 

FACE MASKS

From today, Friday 10th July, face coverings will be mandatory in all Scotland’s shops and enclosed areas.  This has been a topic that has sparked some debate with people calling for this to mandatory from the beginning, others refusing to wear any sort of face covering at all.  Wearing face coverings will be law from tomorrow and the only people exempt from this are people with medical conditions.  As someone who suffers with severe asthma/COPD and with my breathing already restricted at this time of year being a hay fever suffer, I have already been questioned as to why I am not wearing one.  I would urge everyone to be kind and not automatically think the worst of someone for not wearing a face covering.

 

SALONS/BEAUTICIANS

Salons and beauticians opening is news many of my ward constituents and small business owners within my ward have been waiting for.  I know of the struggles businesses have faced during these unprecedented times.  I am sure they welcome the news that from Wednesday 22 July services can re-open with enhanced hygiene measures in place.

 

For full comprehensive details on what phase 3 means please visit – https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-phase-3-update/ 

 

LOCAL UPDATES

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PUBLIC TOILETS 

Great news! We're beginning a phased reopening of our public conveniences across South Ayrshire.

From TODAY, (Friday 10th July) the following locations will be open from 10am - 6pm. 

• The Flushes in Girvan 

• Dunure 

• Ayr (Low Green)

• Prestwick (Links Road) 

• Barassie 

We're not going to be charging for use of public conveniences at the moment, so you can spend a penny for free! 

Our main priority is to make sure that everyone who uses our public conveniences can do so safely, and there will be an attendant on site from 10am-6pm every day. 

You can help us by adhering to physical distancing guidelines, and only entering our public conveniences one at a time (except with children) 

Regular enhanced cleaning will be adhered to throughout the day. Please be patient with our attendants during these times. 

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SAC ENGAGEMENT

Engagement was the very reason I set up my website, community engagement in my opinion playing a huge part in how well a councillor is doing their job.  After all we are elected to represent you.  The recurring opinion is communication is not what it should be when it comes to the council and residents of SAC.  How do we fix this?

 

Since I was elected, and we took over administration we have embarked on many public consultations – 30 in total with 2 currently running (Riverside Place consultation and engagement & Modified Proposed Local Development Plan) however this process is a two-way street.  The council provides the consultation, but you, the resident must take part if it is to be meaningful.  Historically uptake in participation of these consultations is low meaning the council are not able to fully appreciate all residents’ viewpoints.  All consultations can be found at https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consutations 

 

I would urge all residents of South Ayrshire take part in this and as always, I welcome ideas on how we can improve on this matter further.

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT/ RECYCLING CENTRE

Our Waste Management team has worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, adapting the way they operated to ensure essential household waste and recycling collections could continue without issue.  Thanks to their diligent efforts, we were able to keep our full household collection service running throughout the pandemic, except for garden waste for 3 weeks.  Much to the delight of many residents, the team also planned ahead to ensure our Household Waste Recycling Centres were ready to open at the earliest opportunity.  I have had constituents contact me with questions around pop up recycling centres and what services are available.  Just to clarify, there are no pop-up recycling centres in use – this was only an interim during the pandemic.  

All our recycling centres are working as normal.

It’s worth noting here that South Ayrshire Council have been selected as joint finalists for the Partnership Excellence Public/Private Sector Award at the National Recycling Awards 2020.

Good Luck to the team.

 

REVENUE TEAM

Our Revenues team is still working hard to ensure local businesses receive the financial support they need.  So far, we have paid £21.2 million in business support grants.  If you or someone you know is looking to apply, please be aware that this scheme will close TODAY (Friday 10th July) at 5pm. You can find out more about the Business Support Grant Scheme on the SAC website – https://beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/19562/Business-Support-Grant

 

Many local businesses depend on tourists visiting the area each year.  With the summer holiday period now upon us, the Economy and Regeneration team has created a new edition of business beat, which focuses on recovery for the tourism industry as we emerge from the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

STATUES DEBATE

I have been contacted by constituents asking my views on the petition for the removal of James George Smith Neil at Wellington Square.

For several weeks now we have seen protests take place over the world.  It’s been in all our front rooms on screen and on every social media platform.

The events themselves have made the world stop and have a discussion.  A discussion that was probably needed long ago.  There is no room for racism, bigotry, hatred and inequality in today’s society and I believe that each and every one of us have a responsibility to play a part in that.  As society evolved, what was once, to a certain generation, acceptable, is no longer tolerable. This has always been a gradual process of change for the better.

We are shaping the future for our children, grandchildren and theirs and if I am completely honest, I sometimes worry what kind of world my son will grow up in with events that have taken place in recent times.

As a council, we have agreed to put out a public consultation.  If you are asking for my view, I am of the opinion that you cannot erase history, but we can learn from it and choose a different path. Education is key on how we move forward.  Education being the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

 

WARD UPDATES

 

End of June, start of July we seen the grounds maintenance team out and about in the ward cutting hedges back along Castlehill Road and Hillfoot Road.  The results look great.

 

Its been brought to my attention that youths have been gathering in school car parks within the ward.  While I do not want to spoil anyone’s fun, can I remind them to be considerate of surroundings neighbours while making sure you are complying with lockdown guidelines.  

 

This week saw more reports of people trying doors within the Forehill area.  Please make sure your doors, windows and outbuildings are locked and be vigilant.  Do not hesitate to contact the police on 101 if you see or hear anything suspicious or 999 if it is an emergency.

 

Lastly, hopefully, now with light at the end of the tunnel, re restrictions being lifted the emphasis can return to Independence.  If nothing else, this pandemic has shown, just how important it is for Scotland to control its own destiny.  It has highlighted how ridiculous is it that the Scottish Government is shackled to Westminster in areas that are reserved, and even funding, when clearly our desire is for a different direction in the best interests of Scotland and it’s people.  The latest poll showing increased support for independence is very welcome and a clear indication of the public’s confidence in how the last few months have been handled by the SNP.  I for one can’t wait to get back on the campaign trail and working with you to make our dream a reality.

 

As ever, please feel free to contact me with any concerns, enquiries. Happy to hear feedback.

 

Stay well & Stay safe

 

Regards

Chris