Conservative MSP Brian Whittle has backed plans for a wellbeing cafe in Kilmarnock’s Howard Park despite his party colleagues demanding a review of the decision.
Mr Whittle blasted the 'misinformation' campaign that has plagued the proposals but stopped short of criticising Conservative councillors who have joined Labour members in calling in the cabinet decision.
Residents had objected to the plans for a wellbeing cafe with counselling services at Old Men’s Cabin in Howard Park following an anonymous campaign that made false claims that the cafe would treat severe drug addicts and work with ex-offenders.
Kilmarnock Station Railway Heritage Trust, who are looking to expand on their work at the station’s community village, say their work will simply involve counselling people with mild to moderate issues such as depression or loneliness.
The call-in, signed by Labour councillors Maureen Mckay, Barry Douglas, Linda Holland and Conservatives John McFadzean and James Adams, states that the cabinet ‘failed to address the concerns expressed by the local community’ adding that it introduces ‘unnecessary jeopardy to the success of the project.
However, no reference is made to the fact that many of the concerns raised by the community stemmed from the 'misinformation' campaign.
Mr Whittle, who visited the station to find out more about the plans, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he understood their reasons and suggested the call in was a way to ‘review’ the consultation process.
But he said that he remained fully behind the Howard Park plans.
He said: “In the years since I was first elected, I’ve seen the great work that’s being done at the Kilmarnock Station Community Village, which is why I was so pleased to give my support to their plans for the cabin in Howard Park.
“While proposals like this can bring out strong feelings in people, I’m really disappointed that some of those against the plans resorted to putting out false information and hiding behind anonymous groups.
“Anyone with a well-founded, genuine concern about the plans should have no reason to hide who they are or spread misinformation.
“I’ve spoken to my Scottish Conservative colleagues on East Ayrshire Council and I understand why they’ve opted to call for a further examination.
“Calling in the plans for scrutiny offers an opportunity to review the consultation process, which took place before several of the current councillors were elected, and ensure that lessons are learned about dealing with misinformation campaigns.
“I know further delay to the project will be frustrating for its supporters, but I hope that some additional scrutiny will help the concerns of local residents to rest.
“I’m confident that these are the right plans in the right place, and continue to offer them my full support.”
The call in by Labour and Conservative councillors will go before East Ayrshire Council’s governance and scrutiny committee, with the case being made by a cabinet representative and the councillors who called the decision in.
The committee will decide whether to accept the original decision or send it back to cabinet to be reconsidered. If there is no agreement at that stage, the matter will go to the full council.
The applicants will also have recourse to appeal to the Scottish Government.
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