Council leader Martin Dowey has accused opposition councillors of ‘schoolboy errors’ over Ayr leisure centre decision as he responds to criticism from SNP and Labour.
Responding to claims he had sought to cancel the project without having any alternative plans in the pipeline, Cllr Dowey said: “That is not the case. We have plans and will be in a position to bring them forward very soon.”
He accused SNP leader Peter Henderson of ‘rewriting history’ when he said his party had ‘inherited’ the gap site at the foot of the High Street.
Cllr Dowey said: “The project was unanimously cancelled by councillors, including councillor Henderson.
“In terms of regeneration, we are committed to spend at least £6m from Burns Statue Square down to the bottom of the High Street. There are plans for Hourstons site which will come out very soon .”
While the arguments and different approaches to the High Street have been well documented, Cllr Dowey said he took ‘umbrage’ at the accusations about ‘procedural trickery’.
The opposition had complained that they hadn’t been allowed to table an amendment to the motion calling on the cancellation of the leisure centre.
Cllr Dowey said: “There was no procedural trickery. We followed the standing order which states that any member who has not spoken in the debate can say to the provost, can the question be put to the council.
“I did not know they had an amendment. There was an adjournment for 15 minutes, which became 40 minutes. That appeared to be used to write questions having a go at me, which is their right, rather than table an amendment.
“It was a schoolboy error and they should be experienced enough to know the procedure.”
He also questioned Cllr McGinley’s claim that there was a silent majority behind the project.
“Everyone I have spoken to has been very happy that it is cancelled,” he said. “I have certainly never had anyone complain about it.
“The fact is that Bob Shields, Lee Lyons and myself were elected on the basis that we would cancel the leisure centre.”
Cllr Dowey also backed independent councillors Alec Clark and Brian Connolly, both of whom had been backers of the centre while members of the last administration.
He said: “They have got principles and vision. Both councillors realised the implications of the costs of the centre, an extra £7m and rising and the fact that it would result in the council paying £360,000 extra a year, for at least 40 years, to service the charges.
Councillor Clark also responded to Cllr Henderson’s criticism.
He said: “There was a material change in regards to the effect that the project would have on the capital budget as well as the outstanding debt payments to service that amount of borrowing.
“This would have meant that to carry on would have sacrificed any other investment in our South Ayrshire towns and villages, including Ayr.
“I have a responsibility to all parts of South Ayrshire and I am sure that residents will be assured that correct decision was taken in the interests and fairness of all of our communities.”
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