He says that the good folk of Girvan are in danger of portraying such a negative outlook that we could do harm to the community. I on behalf of the community would like to remind him all major initiatives to try and move the town forward for the last few years have not received the deserved support from South Ayrshire Council.
It is quite obvious to most people that shutting down the swimming pool was a costsaving exercise that for the council has gone badly wrong. If the latest revelations from a council whistleblower (published in the Gazette] are correct, then it all begins to make sense.
Prestwick pool was earmarked for closure and geographically this made sense as the population of Prestwick are within easy reach of both Ayr and Troon pools, therefore if cost savings are the issue, here we have the perfect candidate. Wait a minute though, is this not the stomping ground of the Leader of the Council and just next door to his second in command and the Leader of the other party in joint administration? Political suicide? Let's look elsewhere. What about Girvan. We can always depend on our old friend Health and Safety, the population will roll over and accept the fait accompli and we can depend on the three councillors to tow the party line.
Well let me tell Councillor Oattes that this is where the negativity was born. This community were quite optimistic before all of this but the council can be assured of one thing: when we are riled, there is no way we are going to be quiet. We as a community did not deserve such a facility to be closed and await the outcome of the Public Service Ombudsman's investigation before deciding what action to take.
Councillor Oattes again gives a figure of £900,000 as the amount required to bring the pool up to standard. The Community Council would like to see a break down of these figures as we have had a much more modest figure given by a highly competent professional. We to would like to see a brand new pool but until we have a new one even as part of an education package, the one exists should be re-instated.
On another note, why do we have a Girvan and South Carrick councillor defending a £3.5 million investment in Troon's Walker Halls by the same administration that has repeatedly told us that they have no money?
He talks about the investment by SAC in Ainslie Park toilets and the Flushes (which by the way have been closed for the whole of June). This is of course welcomed but where was the consultation? Girvan is the main stopping off point for traffic including the many buses which travel between Ireland and Scotland and the passengers and travellers bring much needed income which generates the towns economy. Surely therefore the primary investment should have been at the harbour where local folk, yachts, buses and car passengers not to mention businesses would have benefited as would SAC in improved business rates and harbour dues.
Councillor Oattes mentions local groups who benefit from SAC investment. These are no more than the local groups who benefit in other towns across South Ayrshire. Girvan's volunteers have not been singled out for preferential treatment. It is the work of dedicated volunteers that delivers many services in our town.
The folk of Girvan are not negative. They need to be supported by councillors who are not afraid to stand up for them instead of towing the party line. Give the community positive support and you will receive positivity back.
Although it may not be, it almost looks like some sort of appeasement because of the backlash over the pool to open the boating lake and putting green and while this is to be most warmly welcomed it does not diminish our rights in Girvan and the surrounding area to keep the pressure on SAC to support the electorate in their fight to retain the pool and other facilities both with practical and financial help. After all we are council taxpayers and voters with as much rights and pride as other residents of South Ayrshire.