Crumbling church is warning to South Ayrshire Council

Mar 12 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE RETURN of a beautiful – but crumbling – Ayr building to South Ayrshire Council highlights how leases can go badly wrong.

But despite the former Darlington Church coming back, South Ayrshire Council aims to lease out even more of its properties.

Councillor Douglas Campbell highlighted the return of the church – after being leased out for 25 years to Borderline Theatre.

“We’ve had a bit of an eye-opener,“ Councillor Campbell admitted.

“We are now left with a building that will cost a lot to repair.”

It is understood the council is now embroiled in legal action over the former church.

But the council is determined to sort out its leasing muddle with dozens of other facilities.

And a new policy, aiming to ensure fairness, was approved by a vote of 24-6 at a meeting of the full council.

Six Labour councillors urged more consultation with community groups who take on leases.

But Tories, SNP and Independents are confident the policy is a good starting point for discussions.

Even Labour leader Councillor John McDowall admitted: “It’s a genuine attempt to resolve issues.”

However, he added: “But it would have been better to consult first.”

The council leases out village halls, community centres, bowling greens, football pitches, and much more.

But there are many types of leases, some inherited from the old burgh councils or from Kyle and Carrick.

Some leases are inexpensive, but the tenant is expected to pay for maintenance and repairs.

Other leases are more expensive – but the council does the maintenance.

Independent Douglas Campbell said: “I’ve been a councillor for 23 years, and this has rumbled on all that time, and long before.

“We have to be fair to everyone. Let them know what we expect in maintenance and repairs, and help them where we can.”

Community groups taking on leases will hope to benefit from lottery funds, wind farm cash and other sources.

Conservative Councillor Hywel Davies said: “Let’s get people involved, and enable them to run their own facilities.

“It’s already happening in Lendalfoot, Loans, Symington and Craigie.”

But Labour’s Helen Moonie warned that some communities may not be so lucky, and could face having no facilities.