Council gets tough on ruined properties

Oct 24 2008 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE owners of three derelict buildings have been told to clean up their act.

East Ayrshire Council got tough on the sites at the Castle Hotel, Tam O’Shanter Roadhouse and a property at 24A Aftonbridgend.

Enforcement orders have been served and the move welcomed by the area’s MSP Cathy Jamieson.

She said: “I’m pleased that the council has served these orders on the owners of the properties identified.

“This is as a result of an ongoing campaign by me and local residents to clean up our towns and villages in East Ayrshire and remove the blight of derelict and badly maintained properties.

“There has been a particular problem in New Cumnock, which acts as a gateway to East Ayrshire from the south.”

And she added: “With moves to attract more tourists to the area, particularly in relation to Dumfries House and the Mauchline to New Cumnock corridor, it is important that our villages are cleaned up to help create a better impression for visitors and help boost the local economy.”

Owners have been given two months to comply with the Orders which come into force on October 30.