Ayr town centre is a no-go area for terrified residents

Sep 3 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

JUNKIES and foul-mouthed louts are ruining Ayr town centre.

That’s what many people think.

And now their thoughts are being voiced in the corridors of power.

Councillor Bill Grant, who represents town centre residents, read out excerpts from letters he has received.

His fellow councillors heard how some residents feel too intimated to go out when it’s ‘Methadone Hour’ in Ayr.

Others despair at filthy language they hear from ‘hordes of louts’ blighting the town.

Councillor Grant used the letters to illustrate a point he made at a South Ayrshire Council meeting.

The Tory councillor wanted further scrutiny of a council plan to lease four more properties in Ayr town centre, for use by homeless people.

Councillor Grant insisted: “I have no issue supporting people who are in difficulties.

“But we need to look at the impact, and this is part of a bigger picture.”

Councillor Grant also pointed to a danger of ‘biting the hand that feeds us’.

He was referring to shopkeepers paying hefty rates, whose businesses are now under threat.

Councillor Grant said: “It’s all too easy for shoppers now to go to Silverburn, Braehead or somewhere else.”

He also pointed to six or seven council houses – outwith the town centre – being used for what he called ‘fluffy ideas’.

And he said these could and should be brought back into use as people’s homes, rather than for community projects.

Councillor Grant also took a swipe at private landlords who don’t appear to be maintaining their properties.

He said: “The state pays the rent for their tenants. Now the state is picking up the tab for repainting some of their properties.”

Another town centre councillor, Elaine Little, agreed with Councillor Grant – up to a point.

The Independent councillor said: “Yes, there’s no doubt drug-users are congregating in the town centre – because it’s the only place they can get their prescriptions.”

Councillor Little added: “We need to take this up with our colleagues in the health service.”

But Councillor Little insisted council officials are doing the right thing by leasing four town centre properties for the homeless.

She said the only alternative is bed and breakfast accommodation – and that puts more people out on the streets by day.

Councillor Little asked officials for assurances that young homeless people would be given the support they need.

She said: “We have to stop throwing keys at young people – creating a revolving door back to homelessness.”

Officials spoke of efforts made – through family mediation services – to try and ensure people don’t become homeless.

But if they do, there is also support to try and ensure good tenants who respect their neighbours.

Councillors on the scrutiny panel supported the council’s intention of leasing four more town centre flats for use by homeless people.

But Councillor Grant said he wanted his opposition recorded, on the grounds of ‘over-intensification in the town centre’.

He also succeeded in opening what Councillor Little admitted was ‘a can of worms that has to be addressed’.

And this is set to lead to a meeting with the health board, pharmacy chains, shopkeepers and residents.