Darvel Community Updates
Absence
Currently absence costs East Ayrshire Council in the region of £4M per year. This cost arises through additional hours and agency staff that are required to cover absenteeism. In my role as part of the Governance and Scrutiny committee, I am challenging the status quo.
Climate Change Public Sector Report
This has become an annual report that we complete to show how we (East Ayrshire Council) are reducing our emissions. In the year 2012/2013, our emissions were 43 230 t of CO2 which has reduced to 14 863 t of CO2 in the year 2023/2024.
In addition, this report includes a number of different environmental initiatives, including Litter in School. We all know the huge deterrent benefit of this initiative. My next report will include an update on the roll out programme in all our schools.
Leisure and Culture Review
As part of the implementation of this review, the Chief Officer of Leisure and Culture would like to attend all community council meetings, early in the new year. Asking, what is valued most, least, and what should be introduced that isn’t being done already.
BUDGET 25/26 – have your say
Please get involved in this process and join in the online consultation.
Roads
A big thank you to ARA for the upgrade to the A71. Hopefully the traffic calming measures will make this stretch of road safer.
Youth Antisocial Behaviour
The abuse of the use of the free pass by a number of young people was discussed by the SG last week – as requested by so many of us, we await remedial action.
Irvine Valley Paths Network
Path Warden Scheme for the Valley Paths Network, there are path wardens who are responsible for looking out for problems for each of the different sections of this network. LINK
Local Development Plan2 LDP2
The LDP process is designed to look at every aspect of planning and development in East Ayrshire, working with local communities and businesses to make sure decisions made about the built and natural landscape are both appropriate and comply with government targets.
LDP 2, is now complete and is the current point of planning reference. Work will shortly commence on LDP 3. Please get involved in the consultation process.
Kilmarnock Town Board
This board was set up earlier this year, With Fiona McKenzie as Chair, bringing together local business leaders. The Board is responsible for overseeing the investment of £20m over the next ten years through a Long Term Plan for Kilmarnock, which will prioritise investment in the things that matter most to local people, including: safety and security; high streets, heritage and regeneration; and transport and connectivity.
Loudoun Academy – Schools Refurbishment Programme
Design development works at Loudoun Academy (along with other schools in EA) will be progressed in accordance with the release of funding, with works due to commence in 2025/2026.
Jamieson Road Site Update
Last week, cabinet approved a plan for the prosed demolition of the former factory premises on this site. Effectively, the site is legally ownerless and in the absence of a third-party owner with responsibility to deal with the premises, the council has to continually step in as the local business standards authority. We are progressing with the tender for the demolition works.
demolition.
Hutcheson Drive Play Park
This park has been greatly improved and busier than ever, I have asked if the benches could be returned.
Planning
Following the completion of the most recent LDP (2), I’m keen that as a community we are involved in the LDP process. Consultation will soon commence on LDP 3, please get involved.
