Prestwick beach receives makeover

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

A BEACH promenade is to receive a makeover.

The seafront at Prestwick, which celebrates its centenary later this year, is being spruced up to attract visitors.

And first in the firing line is a block of toilets, which council chiefs have bulldozed to make way for beach-front benches.

The move has been welcomed by community chiefs, who say it’s time to take back the scenic spot from vandals.

Jim Ronney, chair of Prestwick North Community Council, revealed: “The toilets at Prestwick shorefront have long been a problem. We went through a spell where youngsters would continually vandalise them and the council would have to do running repairs before the same thing happened again.

“It was just a yo-yo process and it was quite clearly an issue that needed solving.

“We were totally in support of the council’s decision to close the toilets – they were becoming a real problem.”

That was three years ago, and the council has since consulted with residents over what to do next.

Ideas have flooded forward with everything from bandstands to fountains suggested for the site.

Mr Ronney said: “An officer came to our community council meeting and asked for opinions on what to put on the site.

“There was plenty of interest shown and the popular choice was for seats to be placed there.

“It’s important we don’t re-establish a building that’s going to be a target for vandals or youngsters to congregate.

“For us as residents, this is a fantastic year for Prestwick seafront. The centenary will be a big celebration and it’s important to have things like this improving the area.”

Jim McQuillan, head of property and neighbourhood services for South Ayrshire Council, said: “In order to enhance the local environment we are demolishing the toilets and shelter at Burgh Road in Prestwick.

“The local community councils have been informed of our plans to reinstate the ground and possibly create a seating area.

“At this point in time there are no plans to place anything else there, however we always welcome comments from our residents.”