Views on the future of support for a Wallacetown ‘Hub’ from council candidates ranged from ‘giving the community a hug’ to the creating a centre where ‘rich and poor could mingle’.
The proposed Ayr hub would provide a one stop shop for vital services in the area. This would include health, eduction, police, benefits and advice.
All but one of the Ayr West candidates speaking at a hustings in Ayr’s Horizon Hotel last Thursday threw their weight behind the hub.
Labour’s John Duncan said: “I am a very strong supporter of Wallacetown and of the virtual hub they have at the moment. I would like to see that replicated in some permanent premises, where you can bring under the one roof.
“Sadly it is one of the most deprived areas, not only in Ayr, but the west of Scotland. I make no apology that a lot of my energy will be in relation to the Wallacetown community.
The SNP’s George Weir said: “If you have hub of that type to support local residents, through council services, social support, education and benefits then I firmly support that initiative.”
Bob Shields, the independent candidate and journalist, took the support one step further.
“Wallacetown not only needs a hub, it needs a big hug from the rest of Ayr. It has been deprived of investment, it has been deprived of interest from the council and has generally been looked down upon.
“For me Wallacetown is all about listening to the people, carrying out consultation at the closest level, going around the doors and talking to the community councils.
“I like the idea of a hub, but I fear it may just be a talking shop.”
Lib Dem candidate Jamie Ross suggested a hub could also play host to American style ‘town hall’ meetings where residents to question and make suggestions to elected members.
The Scottish Family Party’s Gordon Bryce was the only one to deviate from a hub based in Wallacetown, suggesting the old Grammar school miles away.
Mr Bryce said: “I think Ayr needs to find bridge wealthy people and the people not doing so well.
“Why not turn that whole school into a hub? Get people who are well heeled and not so well heeled and help out.”
His suggestion sparked a heated argument with John Duncan, who said: “Ayr Grammar is in the heart of one of the wealthiest parts of Scotland.
“Wallacetown is miles away from Ayr Grammar.”
Mr Bryce responded: “You need to bring people in the middle. Bring the wealthy people and let them mix with the not so wealthy people.”
Mr Duncan continued: “The services that Wallacetown needs, need to be based in Wallacetown."
Incumbent Conservative candidate Derek McCabe said his party had a two pronged approach to Wallacetown.
“The Hub is in the heart of that community but we also believe in self-responsibility.
“We have community driven [energy] project which is a win win situation, which for me is exciting. Wallacetown can go from the situation it has been in for last 10-20 years to become a centre of excellence.
“We will do the compulsory purchase orders that will allow the properties to be brought up to modern standards.”
One audience member suggested that the creation of a hub could be made easier by simply looking at East Ayrshire.
She said: “I used to work with neighbouring East Ayrshire Council and they have such great hubs.
“Dalmellington has brought in the community along with police, dentists, doctors and housing. The hubs in Dalmellington, Drongan and New Cumnock could be replicated. Some of these have been up for 15 years.”
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