Remote East Ayrshire village launches wi-fi zone

Apr 16 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S a village that has been left to rot.

And there’s little in Rankinston for residents to leave their house for these days.

But that’s all set to change, if a top technical team have their way.

For Rankinston has gone Wi-Fi.

The former coal mining village has turned internet hub in a bid to breathe life into the sleepy settlement.

And the community association, who are behind the initiative, reckon computers can save the village from going down the tubes.

Community chairman Duncan Ross is the man with the plan.

He explained: “Rankinston has been ignored for too long and the people here have been left with nothing.

“The post office and village shop were the last things to go – it’s a community that has been forgotten.

“We want to bridge the gap and offer the people something that keeps them here.

“Creating a Wi-Fi internet zone will provide something for both children and adults that offers hope for the future.”

A special aerial for internet reception has been put on the roof of the community centre.

And with grants in the bag to help fund the computer suites, it’s all systems go.

Duncan’s wife Lisa is part of the team putting their heart and soul into the venture.

She said: “We’ve had great support from politicians and councillors, who really want to see this place succeed.

“I think they acknowledge what this could do for Rankinston and their interest in the project has been obvious from the start.”

The community centre now boasts five desktop and nine laptop computers on offer for residents.

And the Wi-Fi zone stretches right through Rankinston, meaning anyone with a computer can use the service to get online.

Duncan, 42, added: “The problem in Rankinston is that a lot of people are on low incomes, unemployed, retired or in education.

“The ability to go out and buy computers with internet access isn’t as great as it could be.

“This service will be vital in giving so many people a chance they normally wouldn’t have.”

MSP Cathy Jamieson has added her voice to the chorus of praise – and reckons she’ll use the service herself.

Cathy revealed: “It will prove a very useful service for not only the residents, but people like myself.

“I encourage my constituents to stay in touch via email, so I’ll be popping in to read my messages when I visit Rankinston.

“It’s important that the village has a facility for both younger and older people and I’m delighted to see this getting off the ground.”

East Ayrshire councillors Elaine Dinwoodie and Drew Filson have also added their support along the way.

And Elaine said: “The folk in Rankinston have felt ignored for a long time and badly in need of a place like this.

“The guys have worked so hard to make it happen and I’m sure it will be a huge success for both young and old alike.”