Taking a Pride in our Community

I have been out and about canvassing in Prestwick this past week. Listening to people on the doorstep and answering their questions about the budget, the new council tax and the unfounded scaremongering in the press about Prestwick swimming pool and other sports and leisure facilities. No matter their politics people were ready to both question and listen.

There was a general recognition that the conservative’s Civic Pride initiative had been successful in cleaning up our environment and making South Ayrshire much brighter and cleaner than in the past. Those who regularly shopped in Ayr appreciated the hanging baskets and flower tubs and recognised the difference that they made to the town. Here in Prestwick the most obvious improvement was in the condition of the beach. Last summer Prestwick beach was cleaner than it had been for years thanks to the extra resources directed to it from the Civic Pride budget. It was a pleasure to walk along the front in the evening and if there is a more beautiful sunset than that of the sun setting over Arran then I have yet to see it.

We intend to maintain this level of cleanliness and improve on it where possible. Prestwick beach, along with Ayr, Troon and Girvan beaches, has been entered for a prestigious seaside award and we intend to be successful in achieving that award.

There is no doubt that residents want to be proud of their town and many of them are keen to get involved in community initiatives which tackle some of the areas that get missed in the general maintenance. For those who are so minded I would encourage you to put Saturday17th March 9.00am-12.00noon in your diary. Prestwick Rotary Club are holding a beach cleanup on that day as part of an Ayrshire Rotary Clubs’ initiative to clean all of the beaches from Ardrossan to Girvan. The Rotary Club of Prestwick will prioritise cleaning the area from the North Beach to the Pow burn. The council will also be involved by providing gloves, tongs etc and collecting and disposing of the rubbish collected. The meeting place is the beach site of the old swimming pool and you can just turn up if you would like to help.

I will be out canvassing again this week, if you have read this blog any constructive criticism will be very welcome.