Council defend torch spending

Dec 23 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

WE must grasp this once in a lifetime chance for the youth of South Ayrshire.

That was the message from defiant councillors, who insist their £50,000 fund for the Olympic torch is an investment.

Some had questioned the wisdom of such a large sum being spent on torch events in times of austerity.

But councillors have hit back and say the money is a small price to pay for such a huge opportunity.

The matter was discussed during a colourful debate at the full council meeting.

And councillor Margaret Toner, who oversees tourism issues, insisted: “This is a chance for South Ayrshire to showcase its countryside and culture to the people of the world.

“It’s a once in a lifetime event for all of us and it will be fun.

“The council has a key part to play in making all of this happen and help make it a day to remember.”

Conservative colleague Ann Galbraith took a swipe at those questioning the £50,000 that officials want to spend getting South Ayrshire ready for the torch.

She said: “This is a fabulous opportunity, particularly for our children.

“Some adults may be cynical about the London-based Olympics but this torch is the real thing and it will be passing through our communities.”

Some councillors raised the issue of taking money from an under-spend in the children and communities budget to pay for the torch procession.

But independent councillor, Elaine Little, said: “Although £50,000 seems like a lot of money in these times, we have got a great chance here.

“I’m immensely proud of the part our young people have played so far in this process and this will be a very exciting time for them.”

And Conservative Bill Grant added: “I don’t see this money as an expendtiure – I see it more as an investment.

“This is an excellent chance for South Ayrshire and we should use it to our advantage.”

But not everyone saw it that way and questions from the Labour group centred around where the money would be coming from.

Council chiefs plan to spend the cash on lining the route with merchandise, crowd control and a mini Olympic games for children, among other things.

Labour leader, John McDowall, said: “While I am fully supportive of this marvellous opportunity, the concern I have is that this money could have been more appropriately spent.

“Should the money not be coming from the events budget, rather than children and communities?”

And his colleague, Helen Moonie, added: “This is a welcome opportunity to showcase South Ayrshire, but I don’t think we should get carried away and fund this from an inappropriate budget.

“We don’t have a lot of money to spend and instead of splashing the cash, we should be a bit more prudent and think about this.

“What about trying to attract sponsorship from businesses?”

In the end, all 30 councillors agreed to spending the £50,000 on the torch procession.