Determined community leaders have launched a bid to ‘enhance the quality of life’ for residents living in one of Ayr’s most deprived neighbourhoods.
Fort Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council (FSWCC) have written to council bosses in a bid to bring much-needed change to Wallacetown.
It comes after the community councillors teamed up to reveal the daily ‘harrowing’ difficulties facing those young and old living in flats in the area known as 'White City'.
After shining a spotlight on houses plagued with drugs and anti-social problems, the community leaders have now thought up a solution to rid Wallacetown of its problems.
Leader Norman McLean has called for an overhaul of the housing currently available demanding a major refurbishment project to bring dated properties to the 21st century.
In a letter penned to South Ayrshire Council, the community councillor asked for better insulation in homes, secure door entries to properties and proper drying and waste facilities which are currently absent for hundreds of residents.
But the community council chief has acknowledged obstacles to overcome with a mix of private owner/landlords holding back any council bid for a comprehensive refurbishment.
In a bid to tackle that, a proposal to set up a ‘Wallacetown Action Area’ (WAA) which could frame up Wallacetown improvements as a Capital Project – providing access to government funding.
The proposal suggests the council could swoop in on properties owned by private landlords who have refused to pay their share of refurbishment costs.
Norman also believes that the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF) could be a vehicle of funding for South Ayrshire Council and has urged them to look into this.
Norman said: “The thrust of this proposal must be to enhance the quality of life for the residents, to eliminate or at least substantially reduce, drugs and anti-social behaviour while increasing the housing stock of SAC.
“An all-party initiative, including FSWCC and all the involved agencies, should tackle this challenging project. The community as a whole can move forward towards a more trouble free future without unnecessary delay.”
A council spokesperson said: “The South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) has identified Wallacetown as a strategic priority area. The CPP recognise that no single organisation or agency has the ability to solve all the issues, so a coordinated, collective and sustained effort is required from all partners.
“A Strategic Delivery Partnership (SDP) has been set up for Wallacetown to focus on improving the area. The SDP will look at housing regeneration, waste management, open spaces, active travel and estate management. Partner agencies (including the council, police and fire) have agreed to allocate dedicated resources to Wallacetown.
“The voice of the Wallacetown residents should be at the heart of all activity, and a constructive and continuous dialogue will be established with all who want to contribute. It’s hoped the relevant community councils will continue to play a key role in this.”
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