South Ayrshire Council to splash out on Christmas lights

Nov 14 2008

A MASSIVE £3 million will be used to upgrade South Ayrshire’s public buildings and buy new Christmas lights for Ayr.

Some of the cash will also be spent on coastal protection at Newton shore and replacing the computer system at Carnegie Library.

Council chiefs have agreed to use the uncommitted cash from the general services budget to improve existing facilities and services.

Councillor Bill McIntosh explained: “As a result of the reassessment of planned expenditure on other projects we are in the fortunate position of being able to use the available funding to improve some facilities, services and systems.”

Braehead Primary, Craigpark Special School and Kyle Academy will all get new heating systems and lights will be improved in Muirhead, Coylton and Mossblown Activity Centres as well as Kingcase, St Ninian’s and St Cuthbert’s Primaries. Prestwick Library and Carrick Academy will also receive improved lighting.

Other schools will have double glazing installed, toilet and changing rooms upgraded and roofs renewed.

New Christmas lights will be bought for Burns Statue Square as well as other parts of the town centre, street lights will be replaced in Troon and Ayr and work will be carried out at Troon Town Hall to bright it up to health and safety standards.

Councillor McIntosh added: “Some of the funding will be used to address issues identified and prioritised from condition and suitability surveys undertaken as part of the council’s asset management planning process.

“Other projects are being given priority to improve energy efficiency within properties and to reduce ongoing revenue running costs.

“It is important that all funds that have been allocated for the financial period up to March 31 from the general services capital programme are used by the end of that financial period.

“The work has been made possible by making the best use of the funding available to us and prioritising needs.”