CUMNOCK NEWS by JESSIE OWENS

Mr George Gillen

It was with deep sadness to learn of the death of Mr George Gillen a well respected former colleague of CCC. George was an active member in the Community Council for over twenty years, he recently retired from the Community Council where his thoughtful forthright opinions were taken seriously, and our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

Woodroad Park White Brig

CCC informed EAC of the possible danger to the public when using both approaches to the White Brig EAC agreed and proceeded to erect a safety barrier and danger signs despite both EAC and CCC concerns for the Public’s safety and the need to protect the public it is down heartening to see the signs being uprooted and the safety barrier constantly being torn down despite being welded to brackets. EAC has had the work to reinstate both approaches required costed and shall be commencing with the work. Ripping down danger signs and safety barriers may cause members of the public harm so think safe at all times.

Loss of Chaplaincy EACH

CCC is concerned at the loss of the chaplaincy service provided by the Rev. John Paterson. CCC shall be contacting Adam Ingram the local MSP also Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP hopefully to get them on board to urge Ayrshire & Arran to reverse this decision.

Highland Games

CCC is having an information stall at CHG this Sunday. Please drop by for a wee blether let us know of any local problems as we work closely with EAC You can also pick up Info on how to become a member as all new members are most welcome.

Litter Strewn in the Town and Along the By Pass

Litter in the town and also being thrown from cars and commercial vehicles along the By Pass is a disgrace every effort should be made to bring this shameful habit to an end.

Indiscriminate Parking in the Town Centre

Parking continues to be a thorn in the side of the CC, before you abandon your car THINK! Will an elderly person or a child have to be killed before the motoring public takes heed?

Knockroon and Dumfries House

The building work is carrying on apace at Knockroon and what a difference to Auchinleck Rd. HRH Prince Charles has to be congratulated for his foresight in saving Dumfries House and taking the gamble with Knockroon (pronounced Nukrinn) also giving employment to locals.

Homeless Persons Unit

As the unit in Keir Hardie Hill is coming to the end of its usefulness EAC is on the lookout for a suitable site in the centre of the town which has to be near all amenities, although no final decision has been made, The site at the Housing Office, Ayr Rd has been looked at as a possible site, CCC has suggested EAC look for an alternative site.

Town Hall

CCC is actively working with EAC to have the balcony reinstated then hoping to move on to other projects within the interior of the hall. We hope EAC can have the problem with foliage growing in the gutters and under the exterior balcony resolved before winter sets in. We are also pushing the CARS team for starting dates on the exterior work.

Miners Memorial

CCC can report that the railings around the Memorial are to be given a coat of paint this should improve this wee corner of the Precinct.

Market Lane Car Park

This now opened and much needed Public Car Park will be a great asset to shoppers and tourists alike we should all welcome EAC decision to keep all Public Car Parks in Cumnock Free of Charge.

Town Hall Forecourt

The Town Hall is looking magnificent at night when lit up, it becomes so anger some to see the fine stonework being vandalised by the skateboarders. CCC, EAC and Police are aware of this damage to the stonework and are actively seeking ways to resolve these problems.

Banks Renewables

Representatives from Bank Renewables gave the members an introduction to their proposed development of two wind farms. One in the Cumnock area & one in the Kirkconnel area as this is the early stage of the proposals the reason for this meeting is to gather feedback from CC’s. The group will also meet with Netherthird & District CC. Lugar & Logan CC. New Cumnock CC. Kirkconnel & Sanquhar CC The Group explained that this project would be a lengthy process with a year’s bird surveying to be carried out before applying to EAC for planning permission approx November 2012. Banks group indicated that there was no evidence that tourism would be affected. They stated that a public exhibition would be arranged for October. Banks Group stated that all communities concerned would benefit financially from this project.

Next Meeting 12th September at 7pm in Cumnock Town Hall

All Community Councils in accordance with EAC are urging local people to get involved with their local Community Council. If you are interested in Cumnock Community Council please contact –

Jessie Owens on 01290 422682 or email cumnockcommunitycouncil@hotmail.co.uk