Bollards cause alarm

Only a few weeks ago, South Ayrshire Council made the decision to install counter terrorism barriers at Wellington Square, which is a conservation area.

The installation of these barriers was done with no consultation offered to the public, local businesses, or residents. And even more worryingly without any of the Ayr West councillors' knowledge.

I have been contacted by many constituents who are furious with these bollards, which are there on a permanent basis for the next five years.

One constituent, who was caught up in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 has called these measures ‘concerning’ and ‘triggering’.

The fact the council say it is to prevent car attacks has caused further fear and alarm.

Whilst we must always be mindful of the terror threat to the UK in general, there has been no intelligence or information to suggest Ayr is a target.

Meanwhile, local business owners have criticised the need for the barriers in the area on a permanent basis with only several large events hosted annually.

It is clear, in more general terms, that these barriers are rusty, unsightly and spoil the aesthetic of this conservation area.

Ayr beach front was once welcoming to all, and it was clear the town was open for businesses.

However, now it sends the message that the beach front is closed, unsafe and restricted.

This will have a knock-on effect on the footfall within the town during the summer months affecting the town’s tourist image.

South Ayrshire Council say this was part of a national Police initiative. The public, however, deserve to know about measures like this and to be consulted.

I urge South Ayrshire Council to reconsider this decision. Common sense must prevail.

Child poverty

The Scottish Government remain committed in their mission to eradicate child poverty. No child in a country as naturally wealthy as Scotland, should be living in poverty.

In the days before the election former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, claimed that a vote for Labour was a vote to end child poverty. Weeks into government, we now know that this is untrue.

It was hugely disappointing Labour failed to scrap the two-child benefit and voted to keep the Conservative policy in place.

The two-child limit means that larger families are denied extra financial support and lose around £3,500 a year.

Charities estimate scrapping the two-child benefit would lift 300,000 children out of poverty.

It must be noted that all Scottish Labour MPs voted to keep the policy in place.

Indeed, seven Labour MPs down south, did rebel and vote to scrap the cap, although PM Sir Keir Starmer has now suspended them from the party for six months. This speaks volumes about empty words from Labour to tackle child poverty.

A big local loss

I was shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Kevin Finnie.

Many of you will know Kev, a big local personality and local businessman. He established the Treehouse in Ayr in 1999 with many more ventures following such as The Buf and One 11 Main Street, Prestwick.

My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the staff in his venues at this most difficult time.