Kincaidston tackle deprivation problems

Mar 5 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

DEPRIVATION can be a dirty word.

But what does it really mean?

For the people of Kincaidston, it means a lot of hard work.

The Ayr housing scheme has just been tagged as one of Scotland’s most struggling areas.

But determined residents have hatched a plan to drag their neighbourhood to better times.

The scheme’s action group held an open day to talk tactics on the best way forward.

In came residents and a host of authorities offering a helping hand to the community.

Representatives from Careers Scotland, South Ayrshire Council’s housing department and the police community safety team were just some of the visitors.

They were joined by Jumpstart, BTCV, Girl Guiding UK, Community Learning and development, Child Protection, Fresh Air-Shire, Boy Scouts UK and Kincaidston Primary.

And the day was hailed a huge success by organisers, who say Kincaidston is an area of huge potential.

Action group secretary Finnola Fisher insisted: “The people who live here really care about the area – and the big turnout proves that.

“We’ve had an amazing response from the agencies, who will hopefully collate the facts and use them to improve our services.

“We now have to push councillors to represent the best interests of Kincaidston going forward.

“The big problem in the area is low income but we had the people from Careers Scotland with us to hopefully help with that.”

The two hour open day was organised by action group leaders in light of the latest deprivation statistics.

They revealed that part of Kincaidston was now officially one of Scotland’s most deprived areas.

But Councillor Eddie Bulik, who grew up on the scheme, insists Kincaidston is a victim of bad press.

And he believes it’s up to council chiefs to step in and offer more help to a struggling area.

He said: “There was a time when this area got a very bad press, but it’s been improving in recent years.

“I think the action group here are an example to all other community groups and it’s great to see a local community care about where they live.

“I grew up and lived in Kincaidston for 26 years so I share the passion and enthusiasm of these people when it comes to getting things done here.

“The people have thrown down the gauntlet to South Ayrshire Council, now it’s up to them to meet the challenge.”