Wind of change as Ayrshire village plans regeneration

Aug 29 2008

WIND farm cash and community spirit are transforming one of Ayrshire’s most remote villages.

A Barrhill Community Action Plan is being launched tonight, Thursday, aiming to regenerate the area.

Barrhill was once an important livestock centre and also boasted a mohair mill.

Now, after decades of struggle the village looks set to forge a new identity for the 21st century.

The plan, written by villagers themselves, is launched in the Memorial Hall at 7pm.

It comes after a programme of work and research, led by Barrhill Development Association.

The plan will harness village spirit to build a sustainable and resourceful community.

It examines strategic themes, and how these can be developed to face future challenges.

“The proposals brought forward are imaginative and exciting,“ said Cathy Jamieson MSP, who hopes to join Sandra Osborne MP at the launch.

The plan focuses on providing first class community facilities, supporting activities for all ages.

It also outlines the need to provide a range of housing needs, while creating new opportunities for businesses and jobs.

And it aims to build a healthy community, positively tackling the need to reduce energy use, through the latest technologies.

“Each of our he seven themes has a number of priorities,” said Dave Holtom, secretary of Barrhill Development Association.

“We are already examining schemes for energy conservation and re-generation with South Ayrshire Council and the Energy Agency,” he added.

Barrhill children have highlighted their road safety concerns with their Brake4Barrhill campaign.

And this spurred a traffic survey, followed by improved signage and visibility around the school.

New road markings are to be painted, and the first steps are being taken to form a community car park serving the school, the bowling club and the hall.

“We believe our ‘bottom up’ approach has led to greater individual ownership of our plans,” said Dave Holtom.

Barrhill Development Association gratefully acknowledges support and guidance of Alan Tuffs of the STAR Development Group, plus funding from Awards for All, Catamount Energy, Force9 Energy, ScottishPower Renewables and the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership.