Galston 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.
Galston Community Action Plan (Cap)
As part of the community planning process, most communities in East Ayrshire have action plans. The CAP is effectively the strategic plan for the community. All residents and interested parties in Galston are encouraged to participate in this plan. LINK
Town Chambers Update
We are currently looking at completion in Spring 2025. Though I look at progress and think this target is optimistic, but we are getting there!
St Sophia’s Primary School
Similarly, we are looking at completion in Spring 2025, again, I think this is slightly optimistic, but we’re getting there!
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.
The Tunnel
Thank you to all constituents who nudge me when the tunnel (under the A71) needs cleaning.
