Community Council Update - Stewarton Community Website

Stewarton community council update

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: JANUARY 2012

The problems caused by inconsiderate, and sometimes illegal, car-parking throughout the Town continue to be brought to the attention of the Community Council and so the Community Police Officers. It is acknowledged that there is a lack of car-parking space in the Town Centre, a situation unlikely to improve because there are 280 additional houses currently planned or under construction. Meanwhile, the public car-park in Hamilton Gardens is sometimes not full and it is hoped that the new park-and-ride car-park at the Railway Station will reduce day-time parking in Brown Street and New Street. The main problems at present are the double parking of delivery vehicles in Main Street; parking in the bus bays, stopping buses getting close to the kerb; and parking close to the Stewarton Cross traffic lights that obstructs the flow of traffic. All drivers are requested to think of the impact on their fellow citizens when choosing where to park their cars and vans. Car-parking problems should be reported to the Police Office, and brought to the attention of the Community Council (Tel: 01560 482775).

The Community Council has welcomed the opening of the Area Sports Centre. Those attending the various opening events, football matches, visits and tours can only have been impressed by what is now on offer at Strandhead. The full tariff for the cost of using the Centre is available at the Resource Centre in Avenue Square. However, it is a relatively complicated matter, with significant discounts available for block bookings and groups. Therefore, the best source of accurate information is the staff at the Area Sports Centre.

The condition of the railings around the War Memorial, already of concern, has been made worse by storm damage during the recent heavy winds. The Community Council has been informed that the EAC will be reassessing the necessary refurbishment in the context of this development. Many were disappointed by the lack of a Christmas Tree in the Town Centre during the holiday season. The reason given by the EAC was that it was not possible to place the tree in the traditional place on the front of the Institute Hall, which is available for sale. In response, the Community Council will be asking the EAC to supply and fit the required equipment to the front of the Town House, in Avenue Square, before next Christmas. Other topics raised by the Community Council during the past month include: the use and collection of recycling material; defective street lights; flooded and icy roads; playground refurbishment; and the potholes in many local roads.

During the month of December there were 21 crimes reported to Strathclyde Police within the Stewarton Area (EAC Ward One). Of these 7 have been detected - that is a report has been forwarded for the action of the Procurator Fiscal. The remaining crimes are being investigated, and further detections are expected to follow. The detected crimes include road traffic offences; one assault; and one instance of vandalism. The undetected crimes include 8 incidents of vandalism; a case of wilful fireraising; and an attempted fraud.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Web Site. Information on the local Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

The Community Council is pleased to acknowledge the significant contribution made by the Stewarton Woodlands Action Trust (SWAT) to the work undertaken to upgrade the environment in Cunningham Watt Park. This has included tree felling and pruning; the formation and upgrading of hardcore paths and the removal and replacement of bridges. There is now an agreement in existence between the EAC and SWAT for the arrangements needed to provide general maintenance and repairs within the park. More environmental improvement work is needed and could be carried out, by SWAT, if the funds were to be made available.

The general environment within the Town is once again being spoilt by the fouling of many pavements by dogs. Dog owners and walkers should ensure that their pets are not causing a mess for the next pedestrian, perhaps a young child or toddler, to avoid.

The Community Council may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre (Tel: 01560 482775), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine, which are available for the use of the general public – providing excellent value for money. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus, which is used by a wide range of local groups and clubs, can be made at the Resource Centre.

There continue to be four vacancies on the Community Council, and residents interested in the development of our Town and local facilities are most welcome to join. Nominations for these vacancies should be passed to the Secretary of the Community Council, Mr Larry Pollock, who can be contacted via the Resource Centre at No.8 Avenue Square (Tel: 01560 482775). Candidates must be resident at an address within the area of the Stewarton & District Community Council.

The next meeting of the Stewarton & District Community Council will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 6th February 2012 in the Town House Council Chamber at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton. There is plenty of space in the Council Chamber, and all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: DECEMBER 2011

The Community Council has continued to raise the difficulties being experienced by the general public as a consequence of inconsiderate, and often illegal, car-parking in the vicinity of Lainshaw Primary School; High Street; Main Street and Rigg Street. In particular, the obstruction of bus-bays and pavements is causing problems for the elderly and infirm, especially those with mobility problems. In addition, the passage of traffic at Stewarton Cross is often made more difficult by the parking of cars, vans and other delivery vehicles near the traffic lights. The Community Police Officers are monitoring the situation and, during a recent 4-day period, have warned 35 motorists about their behaviour – as well as issuing 25 penalty 'tickets'. Car-parking problems should be reported to the Police Office, and brought to the attention of the Community Council (Tel: 01560 482775).

EAC Road Gritting Plan

The recent cold spell revealed a problem with the EAC road gritting plan, in that not all the route for the local circular bus service was gritted. As a consequence, the bus had to divert from the planned route to the detriment of local users who depend on this service to get to the shops and other local services. The Community Council made representations to the EAC about this problem and, subsequently, some additional gritting was undertaken. Residents are encouraged to report shortfalls and problems with road-gritting to the Community Council (Tel: 01560 482775).

Remembrance

The Remembrance Service at the War Memorial was well attended, this year. The Community Council is seeking a commitment from the EAC for the refurbishment of the guard rails around the Memorial, which are in a poor condition.

Stewarton Sports Centre

The Community Council has been informed that the new Area Sports Centre is unlikely to be fully open for bookings before Christmas. Meanwhile, two open days have been conducted to enable all the interested parties and potential users to examine the new facilities. The Community Council has asked that at least one additional evening session be arranged for those who work during the day to gain the same knowledge. The full tariff for the cost of using the Centre has not yet been received by the Community Council.

Park and Ride

Work on the new 'park-and-ride' car-park at Stewarton Railway Station has continued to be delayed by the winter weather. However, the project is nearing completion, and might be open before Christmas. The 67 parking spaces being provided will be managed on the same basis as the Railway Station car-park in Rigg Street.

During the month of November there were 24 crimes reported to Strathclyde Police within the Stewarton Area (EAC Ward One). Of these 5 have been detected - that is a report has been forwarded for the action of the Procurator Fiscal. The remaining crimes are being investigated, and further detections are expected. The detected crimes include offences under the licensing acts, a road traffic offence and two assaults. The undetected crimes include a number of thefts, house break-ins, vandalisms, and one incident of wilful fire-raising. In response to these incidents, the local Community Police are conducting additional patrols in the affected areas in order to disrupt criminal activity. Of particular concern is the number of incidents of theft of property from in and around remote farm outbuildings.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them viathe Police Website. Information on the local Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police Website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

Garden Waste

The Community Council has noted the changes made by the EAC to the green garden waste collection service with effect from 5th December. From this date, and until the week ending 9 March 2012, the EAC will not collect garden waste (brown bins) unless requested to, and then by appointment. During this period residents requiring a collection of garden waste must arrange this by booking a collection by the Friday of the preceding week – that is, providing one week advance notice. More information is available from the Community Council Resource Centre.

The Community Council may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre(Tel: 01560 482775), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine, which are available for the use of the general public – providing excellent value for money and a good service from well-kent faces. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus, which continues to be used by a wide range of local groups, can also be made at the Resource Centre.

The next meeting of the Stewarton & District Community Council will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 9th January 2012 in the Town House Council Chamber at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton. There is plenty of space in the Council Chamber, and all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: OCTOBER 2011

The Community Council continues to closely monitoring the major projects currently in course of construction in the Standalane area and it is acknowledged that there have been difficulties with site traffic, overall traffic management, parking, and general access to roads and pathways during the last few months. All these difficulties have been brought to the attention of the EAC, our local Councillors and, where appropriate, the Contractors. As a consequence, most of these difficulties have been resolved. However, any remaining problems should be brought to the attention of the Community Council (Tel: 01560 482775).

AREA SPORTS CENTRE

Good progress is being made, and it is hoped to complete construction before the end of November. The impressive new football/multisports pitch is complete, and awaits FIFA certification. As a community facility the Sports Centre will operate a 'pay as you go' policy. However, over and above this there will be a seven day booking system as well as an option for organisations to block book the facilities. Instructional sessions will be held in the fitness suite, whilst there will be dance and fitness classes in the dance studio. Community recreation sessions will be run after school, and for youth clubs. Links will be developed with partners such as Leisure Development and Kilmarnock FC to deliver Friday night leagues and coaching opportunities. To maximise use within the facility, and to develop opportunities for groups and organisations, there will be opportunities to join a local Sports Council; and this will afford them a 30% discount on normal prices – which have not yet been announced.

STEWARTON RAILWAY STATION PARK & RIDE

Work on the new car-park has been delayed by the weather, and is now expected to be completed during November. It has been confirmed that 67 parking spaces will be provided. It is understood that the car-park will be managed on the same basis as the station car-park in Rigg Street. A temporary traffic light road management system will return again for approximately one and a half weeks to carry out street lighting, kerbing and road marking works in Standalane. Although some changes will be made to the road marking it is not intended to introduce, for example, a mini-roundabout at the junction of the road opposite the new entrance to the car-park.

During the month of September there were 19 crimes reported to Strathclyde Police within the Stewarton Area (EAC Ward One). Of these 5 have been detected, that is a report has been forwarded for the action of the Procurator Fiscal. The remaining crimes are still being investigated, and further detections are expected. The detected crimes include offences under the licensing acts, a road traffic offence and a case of racial harassment. The undetected crimes include a number of thefts and attempted thefts. In response to these incidents, the local Community Police are conducting additional patrols in the affected areas. Of particular concern is the number of incidents of theft of property from in and around farm outbuildings. The Community Council has expressed concern about the availability of alcohol and cigarettes for the use of under-age youths gathering in a variety of outdoor locations around the Town.

The Community Council has welcomed the various works undertaken by the EAC in Cunningham Watt Park. In particular, the repair of the Pedestrian Bridge has long been the subject of representations by the Community Council. As winter approaches, residents wishing to make a case for the better location of gritting bins throughout the Town should contact either one of the Ward 1 EAC Councillors or the Community Council (Tel: 01560 482775).

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Website. Information on the local Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police Website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

The Community Council may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre (Tel: 01560 482775), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine, which are available for the use of the general public – providing excellent value for money and a good service from well-kent faces. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus, which continues to be used by a wide range of local groups, can also be made at the Resource Centre.

There remain four vacancies on the Community Council, and newcomers interested in the development of our Town and local facilities are most welcome to join. Nominations for these vacancies should be passed to the Secretary of the Community Council, Mr Larry Pollock, who can be contacted via the Resource Centre at No.8 Avenue Square (Tel: 01560 482775). Candidates must be resident at an address within the area of the Stewarton & District Community Council.

The next meeting of the Stewarton & District Community Council will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 7th November in the Council Chamber at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton. There is plenty of space in the Council Chamber, and all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: August 2011

There remain four vacancies on the Community Council, and newcomers interested in the development of our Town and local facilities are most welcome to join. Nominations for these vacancies should be passed to the Secretary of the Community Council, Mr Larry Pollock, who can be contacted via the Resource Centre at No.8 Avenue Square (Tel: 01560 482775). Candidates must be resident at an address within the area of the Stewarton & District Community Council.

The Community Council is closely monitoring the 3, concurrent, major projects currently in course of construction in the Standalane/Kilwinning Road/Dalry Road area. There have been difficulties with site traffic, overall traffic management, parking, and general access to roads and pathways. All these difficulties have been brought to the attention of the EAC, our local Councillors and, where appropriate, the Contractors. This has resulted in traffic management procedures being put in place; delivery times being co-ordinated; and the frequent sweeping of adjacent roads. All continuing problems should be brought to the attention of the Community Council.

The Community Council is also attending the EAC progress meetings for the Area Sports Centre and Park-and-Ride projects. At the end of July, the construction of the Sports Centre was assessed to be 7 weeks behind the original schedule, this being the consequence of the very cold winter weather. The estimated date for completion is now in the second half of October, this year. Meanwhile, the progress being made with the outside sports pitches is clear to see; and it is hoped that the car-parking areas on site will soon be completed, which should ease local parking problems. The Community Council has been informed that the charges for the use of the new sports facilities have yet to be finalised by the EAC. This issue will be closely followed as the Community Council considers it important that the charges do not preclude local people from using what is expected to be an excellent centre for a variety of popular sports.

The construction of the Park-and-Ride facility should be completed during the early part of September, this year. The Community Council has requested more information on the 'park-and-ride' management arrangements for both of the Stewarton station car-parks. It has been confirmed that the new car-park will have 64 spaces, which will be height restricted for cars and small vans, only.

The Community Council continues to make representations to the EAC, and Strathclyde Police about car-parking, in Stewarton, which causes the obstruction of shop, pavement, bus and other vehicle access for persons using mobility scooters and wheelchairs. It is also the case that selfish parking in restricted areas can make difficulties for everybody, especially those with a mobility difficulty. The Community Council has requested that traffic wardens make more frequent visits to the Town.

During the month of July there were 30 crimes reported in Stewarton, of which 11 have been detected, that is a report has been forwarded for the action of the Procurator Fiscal. Extra police patrols have been carried out in order to prevent and detect youth disorder within the local area during the summer school holidays. The Community Council has expressed concern about the availability of alcohol for the use of under-age drinkers gathering in a variety of outdoor locations around the Town.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Website. Information on the local Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police Website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

The Community Council may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre (Tel: 01560 482775), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine, which are available for the use of the general public – providing excellent value for money and a good service from well-kent faces. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus, which continues to be used by a wide range of local groups, can also be made at the Resource Centre.

The next meeting of the Stewarton & District Community Council will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 5th September in the Council Chamber at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton. There is plenty of space in the Council Chamber, and all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: MAY 2011

The two retiring Community Councillors were re-elected to the Community Council prior to the AGM. There remain four vacancies on the Community Council, and newcomers interested in the development of our Town and local facilities are most welcome to join. Nominations for these vacancies should be passed to the Secretary of the Community Council, Mr Larry Pollock, who can be contacted via the Resource Centre at No.8 Avenue Square (Tel: 01560 482775). Candidates must be resident at an address within the area of the Stewarton & District Community Council.

The following Community Council Officers have been elected for 2011/12

Chair: Mr Donald Fulton

Vice-Chair: Ms Audra Cook

Secretary: Mr Larry Pollock

Treasurer: Mr Eric Gallacher

Press Officer and Minute Secretary: Mr Graham Piggott

The Community Council continues to make representations to the EAC about the state of the local roads. The completion of some recent road re-surfacing and road-marking have been most welcome; but the white-lining of the roads is incomplete, and the many pot-holes continue to present risks to road –users. Meanwhile, traffic management and restrictions on parking and stopping in the Standalane/Kilwinning Road area are presenting a number of challenges during the concurrent work to build the Area Sports Centre and a Park-and-Ride facility at Stewarton Railway Station. Members of the public wishing to report traffic or car-parking difficulties are invited to contact the Community Council, via the Resource Centre in Avenue Square.

The Community Council has welcomed the commencement of the long awaited work to provide a Park-and-Ride facility at the railway station. There are expected to be 67 car-parking spaces, with lighting and new walkways and the project is expected to be completed by the end of September.

During the month of April there were 15 crimes reported in Stewarton, of which 7 have been detected. In this context 'detected' means that a report has been made to the Procurator Fiscal. The reported crimes include 2 reports of disorder; 2 incidents of violence; 1 road traffic offence and 7 reports of various forms of dishonesty. There have been 2 high value thefts of copper, valued at £50,000. This was the result of the theft of telephone cables stolen from local roads and copper piping from the housing development site at Nether Robertland. Local Community Police Officers have been carrying out road blocks, within Stewarton during the hours of darkness, in order to prevent and detect the persons responsible for stealing the copper. Around £7000 in cash was stolen from the Stewarton Social Club at the beginning of the month, and Police enquiries into this incident are in progress. Extra police patrols are being carried out over the weekends in order to prevent and detect youth disorder within the local area.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Website. Alternatively, they can be reported through the East Ayrshire North Communities Federation Office at 1, Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock (01563 572712). Information on the local Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police Website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

The Community Council continues to address a wide range of local issues including: the removal of trees adjacent to housing developments; speed-bumps and speeding in local streets; the reporting of all incidents of dog-fouling to EAC dog wardens; local recycling facilities; the operation of the hopper bus and the maintenance of paths and bridges in Cunningham Watt Park.

The Community Bus continues to be used by a wide range of local groups. It has been necessary to make a small increase to the basic rental charge to reflect increases in fuel costs. However, the charge-per-mile outwith the basic charge remains unchanged and is, therefore, good value for money for all those local journeys that need to be made by voluntary, youth, other groups and sports teams.

The next meeting of the Stewarton & District Community Council will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 6th June in the Council Chamber at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton. There is plenty of space in the Council Chamber, and all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: APRIL 2011

The Community Council has resumed use of the Council Chambers and Resource Centre on the first floor of the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square. The entry arrangements for members of the public have changed – there is now a clearly marked call button, for the Community Council, inside the entrance porch which is accessible through the front doors of the building.

The Community Council, having raised the issue of the impact housing developments are having on the Medical Centre, has received a response from the Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust. This confirms that although there are some concerns regarding the level of increased loading on primary care services the NHS presently expects any increase in population to take place over a period of time, which will provide the Trust opportunities to address any increased demands on services, as they arise. The Community Council is pleased that the Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust has confirmed its statutory obligation to provide healthcare to any increased population in any town within its administrative area, and will keep the local situation under continuing review.

The Community Council is continuing to bring the attention of the EAC to the state of the local roads. The recent repairs and some road-marking have been most welcome, but concern has been expressed about the way the repairs have been managed, in particular with respect to the short-notice temporary road closures and the potential damage to cars from tar and chippings. In a related matter, the Community Council has also expressed concern about traffic management in the vicinity of the Sports Centre building site in Standalane. The local residents are being inconvenienced by the movement of vehicles to and from the site, and the EAC has been requested to discuss this problem with the building contractor. Members of the public who wish to comment upon any local traffic or car-parking arrangements are invited to contact the Community Council, via the Resource Centre.

During the month of March there were 27 crimes reported in Ward 1 (Stewarton, Dunlop, Kilmaurs) of which 11 have been detected. In this context 'detected' means that a report has been made to the Procurator Fiscal. The reported crimes include 5 reports of assault; 4 incidents of vandalism; 1 road traffic offence; 6 thefts; and 5 incidents of shoplifting (in the Co-Op and NISAS stores) – all of which were detected.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Website. Alternatively, they can be reported through the East Ayrshire North Communities Federation Office at 1, Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock (01563 572712). Information on the local Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police Website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

The Community Council having moved back to the Town House, a wide range of computer equipment is presently being relocated to the Council Chamber. It is intended to re-launch the Community Council computer training programme when this work has been completed. Everybody interested in learning how to use computers, the common software programmes and the internet should contact the Resource Centre. Sessions can be provided, separately, to both learners and experienced users (and everybody in between) in a format that can complement training provided from other sources.

There are vacancies for Community Councillors to join the Stewarton & District Community Council. The Annual Election will be held within the Council Chambers, Avenue Square, Stewarton at 7.00PM ON MONDAY 2ND MAY 2011. Nominations for these vacancies should be submitted on the prescribed Nomination Form which is obtainable at the Stewarton Library; the EAC Office in the Area Centre, Stewarton; and the Community Council Resource Centre in the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square, Stewarton. Completed Nomination Forms should be returned to any of these locations by NOON ON TUESDAY 26TH APRIL 2011. Candidates, Proposers and Seconders must be aged 18 years, or over, at the date of the Election and their names should be recorded on the current Register of Electors as being resident at an address within the area of the Stewarton & District Community Council. No person may nominate, or second, more than one Candidate for this Election.

Additional information is available from Mr. Larry Pollock, the Returning Officer for the Election, at Tel: 01560 482775.

The AGM of the Stewarton & District Community Council will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd May in the Council Chamber at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton. There is plenty of space in the Council Chamber, and all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings. The AGM will be followed by the May monthly meeting of the Community Council, which will commence at 8.00pm.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: FEBRUARY 2011

The Community Council is expecting to be able to resume use of the Council Chambers and Resource Centre at No.8 Avenue Square during the week commencing 28th February 2011. The precise timing of the move back to the Town House from No.5 Avenue Street is not yet certain, so visitors to the Resource Centre should look out for a notice on the door in Avenue Street if the office appears to be vacated.

The Community Council raised the issue of the impact housing developments are having on the Medical Centre at a recent meeting of the East Ayrshire North Communities Federation (EANCF). The EANCF will be taking the matter forward with their partners in the Community Health Partnership (CHP) with the objective of finding out if there is a process of ensuring that approvals for additional housing are matched by a re-consideration of the required capacity for all the services provided from the Medical Centre.

The EAC and Community Police have responded to Community Council concerns about the new traffic light sequences and road markings at Stewarton Cross. Although the new arrangements appear to be working well during most of the day, the traffic situation will be kept under review in the light of complaints about delays during peak traffic periods. In particular, the Police will enforce the car-parking restrictions on all sides of Stewarton Cross. Meanwhile, the draft EAC Community Action Plan confirms the intention to develop a ‘Parking Strategy' for the Town, and the Community Council has been informed that the construction work for the Park-and-Ride car-park at Stewarton Railway Station is planned to start during February, taking 16 weeks to complete. Members of the public who wish to comment upon local traffic or car-parking arrangements are invited to contact the Community Council, via the Resource Centre.

During the month of January there were 33 crimes reported in Ward 1 (Stewarton, Dunlop, Kilmaurs) of which 22 have been detected. In this context ‘detected' means that a report has been made to the Procurator Fiscal. The reported crimes comprise 5 reports of disorder; 5 acts of violence; 7 incidents of vandalism; 6 road traffic offences; 8 acts of dishonesty and 2 other offences. During the months of December, January and now into February there has been an increase in youth disorder calls to the Community Police. As a consequence, an Action Plan for additional Community Police patrolling of ‘hot-spots', and the detection of the sources of the alcohol being consumed by under-age drinkers, has been developed and is now in place. Information about the Community Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police Website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Website. Alternatively, they can be reported through the East Ayrshire North Communities Federation Office at 1, Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock (01563 572712).

The Community Council will soon be re-located back to the Town House at No.8, Avenue Square. It may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre in the same location (Tel: 01560 480324), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus can also be made at the Resource Centre.

The next Community Council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 7th March, probably in the Council Chamber at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton. There is plenty of space in the Council Chamber, and all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: JANUARY 2011

It is not yet known when the Community Council will be able to resume use of the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square. It is understood that some damp has been found within the recently refurbished building which has not yet been handed back, by the Contractors, to the EAC.

Site plans for the Stuart Milne housing development between the Kilwinning and Dalry Roads remain available for members of the public to view in the Community Council Resource Centre; which is open between 10am and 12am Monday to Friday (inclusive) at No.5 Avenue Street. The Community Council has discussed the impact such housing developments, and the consequential increase in the local population , are having on local services - especially the medical centre. It is intended to raise this issue with the EAC and the Ayrshire & Arran NHS authorities, in order to raise the requirement to ensure that approvals for additional housing are matched by a re-consideration of the required capacity for essential community facilities.

Although the recent changes to the traffic light sequence and road marking at Stewarton Cross appear to be working well, some complaints have been received with regard to delays at peak traffic times. Therefore, the Community Council will be requesting that the EAC conduct an additional traffic census during peak periods - before it is decided to make the current road markings, and traffic light sequences, permanent. Members of the public who still wish to comment upon the new arrangements are invited to contact the Community Council, via the Resource Centre. Meanwhile, the EAC has given an undertaking to improve the white-line road marking in Stewarton, when the weather improves. The Community Council has noted, with concern, reports that the EAC may be planning to introduce car-parking charges within Stewarton. This is unlikely to help our local traders; or the public seeking to use the various community facilities (library, area centre, area sports centre and park-and-ride railway station) that will be located within the town by the end of this year. The Community Council will continue to monitor this important issue.

During the month of December there were 28 crimes reported in Ward 1 (Stewarton, Dunlop, Kilmaurs) of which 14 have been detected. The detected crimes comprise 5 Breaches of the Peace; 3 Assaults; 3 Traffic Offences; 1 Vandalism; 1 Serious Assault and 1 Assault on the Police. In this context ‘detected' means that a report has been made to the Procurator Fiscal. A number of incidents have occurred where ‘wheelie bins' are stolen (from the Cutsburn Brae and surrounding areas) and then set on fire. Extra attention is being given to this area in order to catch the suspects. Over the past few weeks there have been complaints about the noise levels in The Vennel when ‘The Hub' closes. This is being monitored, and any offences will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Community Police Officers: The local Community Policing Team now comprises: PC Barrowman (U438); PC Cunningham (U754); PC Gartland (U790); PC Grey (U4690); PC Haggerty (U107); PC Kilpatrick (U171); PC McGinn ((U859); PC Moffat (U603); PC Newlands (U382); and PC Stewart (U927). On 25th October the new Community Policing Plan came into effect, resulting in these 10 Community Police Officers (and 5 Community Policing Sergeants) being tasked to cover the Ward 1 area. Information about the Community Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police Website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

The Community Council is presently located at No.5, Avenue Street. It may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre in the same location (Tel: 01560 480324), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus can also be made at the Resource Centre.

The next Community Council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 7th February, probably in No.5, Avenue Street, Stewarton. Space is temporarily rather limited, but all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: NOVEMBER 2010

The Community Council has been informed that the work to refurbish the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square is nearly complete, but the building has not yet been handed back, by the Contractors, to the EAC.

A contractor has been appointed for the construction of the park-and-ride facility at Stewarton railway station. Work on the design of the ramps is not yet complete but it is anticipated that the building work will now commence in early 2011, with a construction period of 16 weeks.

Site plans for the Stuart Milne housing development between the Kilwinning and Dalry Roads are available for members of the public to view in the Community Council Resource Centre; which is open between 10am and 12am Monday to Friday (inclusive) at No.5 Avenue Street.

The Community Council has noted that, so far, the recent changes to the traffic light sequence and road marking at Stewarton Cross appear to be working well. Members of the public who wish to comment upon the new arrangements are invited to contact the Community Council, via the Resource Centre.

It has been confirmed that the recommendations made by the Community Council for the naming of the roads within the Atrium Homes housing development at Nether Robertland (Jubilee Rise and Victoria Court) have been accepted by the EAC.

During the month of October there were 19 crimes reported in Stewarton, of which 10 have been detected. In this context ‘detected' means that a report has been made to the Procurator Fiscal. Local people are asked to report any person who makes an approach to ask that they purchase alcohol on their behalf, or any licensee who is seen to be supplying alcohol to persons under the age of 18. Extra patrols are still ongoing over the weekends in order to tackle and reduce youth disorder within the local area. On 25th October the new Community Policing Plan came into effect, resulting in there now being 10 Community Police Officers and 5 Community Policing Sergeants covering the Stewarton area. Information about the Community Policing Plan is available from the Strathclyde Police website, the Stewarton Police Office or the Community Council Resource Centre.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Web Site. Alternatively, they can be reported through the East Ayrshire North Communities Federation Office at 1, Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock (01563 572712).

The EAC is launching a trial food and mixed plastics kerbside collection service in the Stewarton area, commencing on 6 December 2010. A public information event, to discuss and explain the new scheme, will be held in the Stewarton Area Centre between 1.00pm and 7.00pm on Wednesday 1st December 2010. Information is also available from the Community Council Resource Centre.

The new Community Bus is being well-used. Regular ‘customers' include Stewarton Academy, Nether Robertland Primary School, the Boys Brigade, the Scouts, and Senior Citizen groups. Additional user organisations would be very welcome, and are invited to register at the Community Council Resource Centre.

The next Community Council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 6th December, probably in No.5, Avenue Street, Stewarton. Space is temporarily rather limited, but all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: OCTOBER 2010

The Community Council has been informed that the work to build the Area Sports Centre at Standalane is expected to commence in January 2011, for completion in February 2012. The date for the commencement of the work to provide the already widely publicised additional carpark at Stewarton railway station has not been communicated to the Community Council. The Community Council was not invited to comment on the plans to change the traffic light sequence and road marking at Stewarton Cross. However, it is intended that the consequences of these changes (for what has been stated to be a ‘pilot scheme') will be carefully observed and recorded, in order that comments and opinions can be passed to East Ayrshire Council. Therefore, members of the public who wish to comment upon the new arrangements are invited to contact the Community Council, via the Resource Centre.

The Community Council, assisted by the local EAC Councillors, is seeking an evaluation of the extent to which the local ‘hopper' bus routes are being obstructed by parked cars. These bus services are very important in that they seek to provide ‘door-to-door' transportation between homes, essential services and the shops for, in particular, the elderly and people with mobility problems. Therefore, if the bus cannot negotiate all the streets and corners on the route a vital service will be denied to the users.

East Ayrshire Council has announced an intention to review the number of disabled parking bays provided throughout East Ayrshire. The Community Council will keep this initiative under review, in order to ensure that the interests of the entire community are taken into consideration.

During the month of September there were 21 crimes reported in Stewarton, of which 14 have been detected. These figures could be misleading, in that 6 of these offences were the consequence of one individual repeatedly breaking the conditions of his curfew. In this context ‘detected' means that a report has been made to the Procurator Fiscal. Local people are asked to report any person who requests assistance to buy alcohol for the use of persons under 18 years of age. Action, including the withdrawal or suspension of the licence, can be taken against any premises (shop, bar or hotel) proven to be selling alcohol to under-age drinkers. The Community Police Officers have completed a consultation exercise within the local community during the past few weeks. This took the form of the completion of a questionnaire by a randomly selected proportion of the general public. The objective was to identify key concerns and priorities for local policing and the results will be passed to the Community Council, in due course.

The refurbishment of the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square is virtually complete, and visitors to the building have reported that the work has greatly improved the general condition of the building. It is hoped that the Community Council will be able to resume the use of the Council Chambers and Resource Centre by no later than the end of this November.

The Community Council has been working with the EAC and Atrium Homes in order to ensure that public footpath amenities in the vicinity of the Atrium Homes housing development at Nether Robertland are preserved. It has now been confirmed that a signposted Annick Water footpath link will be provided, and it is anticipated that this plan will improve the current arrangements. Meanwhile, the existing path/route will be kept open for as long as possible.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Web Site. Alternatively, they can be reported through the East Ayrshire North Communities Federation Office at 1, Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock (01563 572712).

The next Community Council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 1st November, probably in No.5, Avenue Street, Stewarton. Space is temporarily rather limited, but all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: AUGUST 2010

The Community Council was pleased to be informed that planning permission for the building of the Area Sports Centre at Standalane has been granted. It is expected that the Centre will be completed in January 2012. The Council has also welcomed the completion of the new car-park in Hamilton Gardens. It is hoped that this will help ease the parking problem in the centre of the town, while providing access to local shops. The date for the commencement of the work to provide an additional car- park at Stewarton railway station has not yet been announced.

Historic Scotland has recently published a book of reference that provides information on all the significant buildings and sites within Stewarton. This book is now lodged in the Community Council Resource Centre and may be viewed by members of the public.

During the month of July there were 26 crimes reported in Stewarton, of which 15 have been detected. In this context ‘detected' means that a report has been made to the Procurator Fiscal. Since the start of the school holidays there has been a youth alcohol initiative (funded by the EAC) running within the local area. This has resulted in extra police patrols being carried out on a Friday and Saturday night in an attempt to reduce youth drinking and prevent disorder. This has been extremely successful, so far, with large amounts of alcohol being seized from youths. A forthcoming police re-organisation is likely to result in the Community Police Officers only being available, in the Town, during day-time hours. Otherwise, mobile response teams will all be based in Kilmarnock.

The refurbishment of the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square is approaching completion, and it is hoped that the Community Council will be able to resume the use of part of the building sometime during September.

The Community Council has met with representatives of Stuart Milne Homes to receive information about their plans for future housing developments within the Town. An outline of these plans is to be made available to the public during two sessions in the Area Centre on 25th and 26th August. They have yet to be approved by the EAC, and any member of the public with a concern about future housing projects (or any other local matter) is invited to contact the Community Council via the Resource Centre.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Strathclyde Police is also encouraging victims and witnesses of hate crimes (where race, gender, religion, sexual preference or disability appears to have been a motivating factor) to report them via the Police Web Site. Alternatively, they can be reported through the East Ayrshire North Communities Federation Office at 1, Titchfield Street, Kilmarnock (01563 572712).

The Community Council is located at No.5, Avenue Street . It may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre in the same location (Tel: 01560 480324), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus can also be made at the Resource Centre.

The next Community Council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 6th September in No.5, Avenue Street, Stewarton. Space is temporarily rather limited, but all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: JUNE 2010

The Community Council was pleased to be informed that a contract for the design and build of the Area Sports Centre at Standalane is expected to be in place during October of this year. In this event, work will commence in December 2010 for completion in January 2012. The EAC has decided that the road traffic access to the new facility should be by means of an ‘upgraded' road layout from the Kilwinning Road.

Meanwhile, the work to provide an additional town centre car-park in Hamilton Gardens is well underway; and it is understood that the project to provide a new ‘park-and-ride' car-park at Stewarton railway station is now at the final approval stage for work that will take 16 weeks to complete.

The Community Council supports the initiative to identify the ground for community allotments within the local area, and has welcomed the news that the EAC is developing a strategy for the provision of allotments in East Ayrshire which will be considered by the EAC Cabinet before the summer recess.

The Community Council EAC Grant, the money provided to fund all Community Council activities, is to be raised this year (and for subsequent years) in recognition that the population of the Town is now estimated to be 7598 persons (an uplift of over 1000 persons from previous years). It will be interesting to establish the accuracy of this estimate in the forthcoming national census.

The refurbishment of the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square has now re-commenced, and so it is hoped that the EAC Social Work Department and the Community Council will be able to resume occupancy of the building in a few months time.

Stewarton Community Police are seeking intelligence on anti-social behaviour and drug dealing within the Town. Information can be supplied confidentially by contacting any Community Police Officer, the Police Office (01560 602000) or by calling crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Community Council does not meet during July. The next Community Council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd August in No.5, Avenue Street, Stewarton. Space is temporarily rather limited, but all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS: APRIL 2010

The Community Council is pursuing a solution to the problem of the trees overhanging, and so partially obstructing, the pavement in Rigg Street alongside Sainsbury's car park. It is understood that EAC Officials are in discussions with Sainsbury's on this matter.

The Community Council has also suggested to the EAC that a change to the plans for the new Area Sports Centre at Strandhead Park should be considered. It is thought that it might be better to locate the access to the car-park in Standalane, rather than on the Kilwinning Road. The detailed plans for this project, including illustrations of the proposed building, are now on display in the Resource Centre (No.5, Avenue Street 10.00am to 12.00noon; Monday to Friday Tel: 01560 480324).

The Community Council was pleased to be informed that the EAC is negotiating with another Contractor for the completion of the building work on the refurbishment of the Town House at No.8 Avenue Square. It is hoped, therefore, that the EAC Social Work Department and the Community Council will be able to resume occupancy and use of the building sometime during the summer. Meanwhile, this important building, in a prominent position within the conservation area at the centre of the Town is boarded up, as is the former Institute Hall.

The work to develop the available land at Hamilton Gardens into an additional car-park will have to include an archaeological survey. This is because the site is recorded to be of significant importance to the industrial and commercial history of the Town with a risk, therefore, that historical artefacts might be lost or destroyed by the creation of the new car-park. As a consequence, the project is likely to take longer than first thought.

The Community Council is located to No.5, Avenue Street . It may be contacted through the Community Council Resource Centre in the same location (Tel: 01560 480324), which is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 12.00am. As well as providing a contact point for all Community Council business there are facilities for photocopying, and a fax machine. Bookings for the self-drive 16 seat Community Bus can also be made at the Resource Centre.

ELECTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL: There are 4 vacancies for Stewarton and District Community Councillors. Nominations for an Election to be conducted during the first week of May 2010 are invited. Candidates must be resident in the Stewarton area, and anybody interested in joining the Community Council is invited to contact the Secretary, via the Resource Centre.

The next Community Council meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 3rd May in No.5, Avenue Street, Stewarton. The AGM, which follows the Community Council Election, will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 10th May in the same location. Space is temporarily rather limited, but all are welcome to attend all Community Council meetings.