Local MP Welcomes Heritage Lottery Fund Grant for Ayr Town Centre

Sandra Osborne, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Constituency has welcomed the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has set aside a grant for Ayr Town Centre.

Sandra said:
‘I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has in principle allocated over £1 million pounds to help in regenerating Ayr Town Centre.

We all know that something radical is needed to improve the town centre especially at the north end which gives a bad impression of the town at the moment.

This funding is a very good start but must be used in partnership with other agencies.
It is also very important that the community are consulted on the plans and see them as a practical solution.  I am particularly concerned that the Newtongreen area should be included in the overall strategy.  The residents there effectively live in an industrial area and suffer major traffic, environmental and health and safety problems. They are taking steps to change things for themselves and I have asked the Leader of the Council to include that area and support their efforts.

It is long overdue that Councils were given more powers to force landlords to take responsibility for their property. This is evident in most town centres throughout Scotland.   I will be joining my colleague Cathy Jamieson in campaigning for a change in the law so that more effective and speedier action can be taken where properties are in neglect.’