How a South Ayrshire high street would look after Covid-busting makeover

Arrows directing people how to walk up and down Ayr High Street have been proposed as part of a scheme to boost social distancing.

An image, below, has been released from the Sustrans project showing arrows painted on the High Street pavement – telling people which direction to follow as they shop.

South Ayrshire Council has been carrying out a consultation on how to spend £510,000 of Scottish Government funding.

How Ayr High Street would look after makeover (Contributed/Ayrshire Post)

It is part of temporary proposals being mooted under the Spaces for People programme to make more room for walkers and cyclists.

Ayr West councillor Martin Dowey said: “They should be enhancing the High Street instead of painting arrows. At the start of the pandemic people were not social distancing. But now I think folk know what they are doing. I don’t think we need lines to tell us where to walk.

“The money should be used for measures that would benefit the High Street even if Covid is gone.”

Four disabled High Street car parking spaces could be blocked off temporarily and others relocated. Bins and benches may be removed.

Another proposal would see cars banned from entering Ayr Esplanade. Blasting that idea, Conservative local leader Dowey said: “I would be very surprised if that goes ahead. I will not support it.”

The Spaces for People programme was due to roll out in Prestwick Main Street, Maybole High Street, Troon’s Portland Street, Dalrymple Street in Girvan and Ayr.

Potential plans include the widening of footpaths and suspension of on-street parking as part of the Sustrans Spaces for People programme.

But they will not happen in Prestwick it is now understood.

It is claimed Councillor Ian Cochrane has told Prestwick community councils that the Spaces for People project would not commence in the town.

He has not responded to requests for comment thus far.

Conservative councillor Hugh Hunter said he is “delighted” the project has been ditched in Prestwick. He said there was “extreme concern” about the potential loss of parking spaces.

The politician described it as “ill thought out” in relation to Prestwick.