Eight out of 10 residents in Wallacetown feel that issues in the area — one of the most deprived in Scotland — are affecting their quality of life.
The Ayr district has been the subject of a number of initiatives aimed at reducing crime, poverty and health issues.
South Ayrshire community planning partnership panel (CPPP) heard the results of a 'street week' survey which sought views from 'every property in Wallacetown'.
Two key results of the survey revealed that:
• Only 30 per cent of people are satisfied with life in Wallacetown.
• More than 80 per cent believe that issues in Wallacetown are affecting their quality of life.
While there was positive feedback in relation to the proximity to the town and shops, as well as a sense of community, there were several key areas that residents show concern about.
When asked about their priorities, almost half said that they wanted drug dealing addressed. Around 42 per cent expanded this to crime and anti-social behaviour, while a third specifically referred to their safety when 'out and about'.
Other areas of concern included litter, fly tipping and dog fouling.
When asked where they went for advice on issues, 16 percent said they go to the police, with just 13 per cent opting to speak to South Ayrshire Council.
A third said they didn't know or were unsure where they could go for advice.
The survey also gleaned feedback on what residents feel is most needed in Wallacetown.
Support such as a community hub, greater police presence alongside a community clean up and improved support for young people and addicts were suggested.
The CPPP heard that a number of 'key areas' had been identified including: additional cleaning to areas around bin corals and removal of dangerous metal arms; identifying a designated housing officer to act as a link for Wallacetown; recruitment of caretaking resources dedicated to Wallacetown; additional information/discussion on tenancy sustainment, void properties and allocations; fly-tipping; and a newly-established environmental team (expected to start early January) and wider general maintenance within the area'.
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