We’re kept in dark, admits South Ayrshire councillor

Aug 6 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

COUNCILLORS are kept in the dark over key decisions – so says a senior elected member.

The astonishing admission comes as patience within County Buildings threatens to wear thin.

An insider confessed: “We just read the Ayrshire Post to find out what’s going on these days.”

Our front page story last week, which revealed South Ayrshire Council is axing its panto, was news to councillors.

And as they face a grilling on the streets from angry voters, one elected member has broken ranks.

The councillor told the Post: “Yet again, the Ayrshire Post scooped councillors.

“It’s a huge source of potential embarrassment for us that we had no idea about any of this.

“If the council knew that the press had been on asking questions and a story was about to break, they should have made us aware.

“All it would take is a simple email, but we didn’t hear a word.”

The decision to axe the panto, which was taken without consulting councillors, has also caused uproar in theatre circles.

Only twice since 1903 has Ayr failed to stage a Christmas show in the town.

But cash cutbacks and the closure of the Gaiety Theatre means panto fans will be forced to leave South Ayrshire in their droves.

The councillor joked: “At least we’ve still got rich and varied productions to look forward to like Roy Chubby Brown and the LadyBoys of Bangkok.”

Roddy MacDonald, the council’s community development chief, said: “Following last year’s production, an operational decision was taken not to progress a pantomime for 2010.

“The financial performance of the pantomime in 2009 is well reported and the operational decision was taken on the basis of those figures.

“The council provides a wide ranging mix of cultural, sporting and leisure attractions and we are committed to ensuring that South Ayrshire remains a vibrant and attractive place, with something of interest on offer to a wide range of tastes and audiences.”