Christmas message from Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader, East Ayrshire Council
What is Christmas all about? It’s a time for reflection and looking forward to the year ahead and what’s yet to come.
“It’s a good time to get out to see people, spend time with our families, our neighbours and friends and to give something back to our communities.
“It’s also a good opportunity for us in the Council to look back on what we’ve achieved over the past year, and while we’ve had our challenges, our teams, working in partnership with many different organisations, have made life-changing progress for the people who live and work in East Ayrshire.
“Whether it’s building new schools, such as St Sophia’s in Galston or new bespoke industrial units for expanding and incoming businesses at Ayrshire Innovation Park in Moorfield, Kilmarnock; or the development of 70 new council houses in Cumnock – the biggest single site ever built by East Ayrshire Council - we’re creating better living and working conditions, job and career opportunities and boosting our local economy for the benefit of all.
“We’re making good progress in Kilmarnock town centre - The former North and South Civic Centres either side of John Dickie Street are now repurposed and occupied by CoreSpace, providing fully serviced office spaces in the North building and we've got a new base for East Ayrshire Leisure in the South.
“We’ve also given the green light to proposals to bring more town centre living into the heart of the town, which together with the recently announced redevelopment of the Foregate in Kilmarnock, and the recent Bus Station refurbishment, will improve connectivity, footfall and quality of life for all who work, shop and live there.
“All of our primary school children now benefit from free school meals and 97% of all young people leaving school in East Ayrshire are supported to go on to a positive destination, whether that’s further training, further or higher education, work or apprenticeships
"We're also putting big efforts into supporting our much valued young carers to make sure despite their circumstances they have equal opportunities and all the support they need as they care for their loved ones.
“At the same time we’re working hard with our third sector partners, East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and our Employability Service to support people to find their way out of addiction and poverty.
“We all know that the world is not an easy place just now, but as we reflect and look around us we can see that there are many good people out there doing great things. And we can all help by spreading a bit of kindness with the Christmas good cheer.”
“On behalf of your Council, I wish you all a happy and fun-filled Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”