North Ayrshire's largest ever affordable housing development

 North Ayrshire Council's largest ever affordable housing development was officially opened today by the Provost of North Ayrshire, Joan Sturgeon.

The development consists of 80 high quality new homes for social rent.  The cost of building the new homes was £8.2 million.  This was jointly funded by North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government - which contributed £3.68 million towards the project through national housing grant subsidy.



Cllr Ruth Maguire with North Ayrshire Tenants representatives

 Irvine Councillor Ruth Maguire commented "This high quality, sustainable development supports independent living and reduces energy bills through its enhanced specifications and has already won BREEAM's 'EcoHomes - Very Good' accreditation and also Scottish Building Standards 'Bronze' award for sustainability.  Local residents were invited to participate in a number of Public consultations at key stages of the design phase and the feedback received informed the final design.  It is wonderful to see the finished result today. I wish all the tenants many happy years in their new homes."  





Irvine Beach Clean up and BBQ

ANCHO official opening and community BBQ

Enjoying the music with Margaret Burgess MSP
and Provost Joan Sturgeon

It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of ANCHO's refurbished maisonette blocks and Community BBQ on Friday.  The refurbished blocks and new grassed area have made a real difference to how the area looks and it was great to see everyone enjoying the entertainment in the sun.  


The blocks were renamed by ANCHO tenants, Golf View and Academy View.  In a lovely touch it was the youngest tenant Millie who did the honours officially opening them.

Golf Views youngest tenant Millie officially opens the block

North Ayrshire 16 Days of Action 2013

November 25^th is the start of the White Ribbon 16 Days of Action - an international drive to encourage men and boys to speak out about domestic violence.  Rates of violence against women in North Ayrshire continue to give cause for concern.  Sadly, domestic abuse continues to affect too many families and individuals within our communities.  White Ribbon’s global campaign is so important because it recognises that Violence against women is not just a woman’s issue and encourages men to take action.

In the past, violence against women, particularly domestic violence, might have been deemed as a private issue, hidden or ignored perhaps not treated with the seriousness it deserves.  It is crucial that we change this.  It inflicts devastating physical and psychological impacts on women and has wide-ranging costs for their families, communities and society as a whole.  Violence and the threat of violence affect, regardless of wealth, race, and culture.  One in four women will experience domestic abuse from a partner in her lifetime. 

Violence against women is never normal, legal or acceptable and there are no circumstances under which it should be tolerated or justified.  All of us, individual men and women, communities, governments, and international bodies - have a responsibility to put a stop to it and to redress the suffering it causes.

In North Ayrshire, all of the agencies involved in tackling violence against women have been working in partnership since the establishment of the first Domestic Abuse Multi Agency Forum in 2000. The partnership is composed of members from North Ayrshire Council, Women’s Aid, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Police Scotland, Procurator Fiscals office, Victim Support and Break the Silence.  Our work together has been based on a shared understanding of what is meant by violence against women and has allowed for positive collaboration between services, particularly at an operational level.  The Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team (MADART) are a great example of this joint working.  Based at Kilmarnock police station the team comprises Social Services, housing and police personnel and works in partnership with a range of services including: addictions, health, welfare rights, women’s aid and the Scottish children’s reporter.  Working together the team have improved the response to domestic abuse incidents ensuring that it is quick, proportionate and effective which means the best, most timely support for victims.

It is the cost of Violence against women which will be explored at the North Ayrshire Women’s Aid conference taking place on the 26^th November.  “The Economics of Gender based violence” sees delegates from across Scotland arrive in Irvine to hear from expert speakers Emily Thomson of Glasgow Caledonian University and Karen McCluskey from the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit.  A highlight of the conference will be the DVD launch from Young Voices, NA Women’s Aids’ young women’s group. Workshops on trafficking of women and children, legal issues, LGBT access to services and gender budgeting are planned for the afternoon session.  

This year our North Ayrshire launch event will take place in Bridgegate, Irvine.  A white ribbon image will be projected onto the square where male members of the community help decorate the campaign banner “These hands are not for hurting” with their handprints.  Many men including all the junior football clubs and rugby clubs in the area took part previously and this year The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women partnership hope even more men follow their good example and get involved taking action by pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

In asking men to take action we also recognise that speaking up can be challenging and it is with this in mind that the partnership is delivering White Ribbon Speaker training to young men in the area.  5^th and 6^th year pupils interested in taking part will attend a full days training at the Ardeer neighbourhood centre.  Passing on the skills in public speaking along with the knowledge and resources to communicate and highlight the issues around violence against women is an essential part of the success of campaign.

The partnership will have a stall set up in the Rivergate Mall, Irvine where people can visit, sign the pledge and access help and information.

25th November 2013	4.45p.m. – 6.30 p.m.	Launch of White Ribbon Campaign and 16 Days of Action	Bridgegate, Irvine
26th November 2013	9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.	North Ayrshire Women’s Aid Conference	Menzies Hotel, Irvine
27th November 2013	9.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.	White Ribbon Speaker Training	Ardeer Centre, Stevenston
28th November 2013	11 a.m. – 3 p.m.	White Ribbon Campaign Stall	Rivergate Mall, Irvine

Castlepark Primary School and Early Years Centre

Spent a great afternoon in Castlepark Primary School and Early Years Centre today attending the Official opening.

Both the refurbished and brand new sections of the building look great and the staff and pupils are rightly proud of their new school.

There was a really nice atmosphere throughout the school and the boys who gave myself and Cllrs Gibson and Gurney a guided tour were wonderfully confident and relaxed and keen to show off the school.  When I asked what their favourite thing about the new school was they said "All of it, we just love all of it".

Every section of the school performed and we were treated to some great songs and tunes and speeches. A great celebration!

Fullarton Community Futures

Event Saturday 16th November 12-4 - Your Opinion counts

Over the last 3 months a group made up local people, community and church groups, the council and businesses have come together to identify priorities for the future of Fullarton and Harbourside.  Through door to door surveys and interviews with local tenants and residents, organisations and agencies they have listened carefully and gathered people's views on the area and their ideas for the future.

The Community event on Saturday 16th of November provides the chance for all to see the results of this work and vote on priority projects for the area.  The fun day is completely free and there will be entertainment, food, group stalls and activities to keep the kids happy.  Those who took part in the survey were entered into a raffle, the winner of the £50 voucher will be drawn on the day.  

This is a drop in event between 12 and 4 at the community centre, everybody is very welcome to attend.  Following the event the steering group will put together a Community Action Plan which will list the priorities for the next 5 years for the area.

Local Councillor Ruth Maguire commented "This is a great opportunity for folk in Fullarton to have their views heard and most importantly acted upon.  The steering group have done a fantastic job and worked very hard to gather local opinions.  As well as being great fun and a good social occasion, the fun day gives everyone the chance to make their views count by voting for their priority projects for the area."

Award nomination for Irvine Library

After first calling in on the Provost's fundraising event in Cunninghame House it was onto Irvine Library for their MacMillan Coffee Morning.  I really enjoyed hearing about Irvine Librarys' nomination for an Ayrshire Business award this year in the "Employer Diversity" category.  It's always good to hear first hand the positive impact an inclusive approach to the workplace has on all.  An inclusive workplace that recognises the differing talents and needs of all is not just good for the place of work but for the community around it.  I commend the staff for their wonderful work and will keep my fingers crossed for a win!

Youth Business Scotland Awards

With Margaret Burgess MSP

It was a pleasure to attend the Youth Business Scotland Awards last Friday.  Held at Entrepreneurial Sparks "Hatchery" in Dundonald.

Guests enjoyed hearing presentations from some really interesting young, local business people.  

Then to the Awards presentation......

Irvine's Good Travel Company won Business of the Year with Inca Beauty runner up.

www.goodtravelcompany.co.uk

www.incabeautysalon.com 

CARS ~ Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme Smalls Grants Launched

North Ayrshire Council has launched a small grants scheme for owners, landlords or tenants of flats, houses and commercial properties which aims to preserve and enhance the town’s character by supporting repairs and reinstatement of traditional features. The scheme will provide between 70% and 90% of the costs of projects to the exterior of buildings.

The grant scheme is part of a wider Conservation Area Regeneration scheme (CARS) in Irvine which has already made a positive impact having provided funds for the restoration of the A-Listed Trinity Church.

To find out more please visit www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/irvinecars or to submit a note of interest in the scheme, simply email regeneration@north-ayrshire.gov.uk with your contact details, address of the property and a brief summary of the proposed works.

Trinity Church

I was lucky enough to get to see inside The Trinity church this morning.  It is lovely to see it coming along so well, my picture doesn't really do justice but the stained window really is beautiful.  My favourite thing was the roof though the slates are really smart looking, can't wait till all the scaffolding is down in October and we can all see it in it's full glory.

For more information on the restoration, including how young people are being included in the work visit Irvine Bay's website:  http://www.irvinebay.co.uk/our-changing-bay/31_trinity_church_irvine

Pilot House restoration - update

Cllr Maguire with some of the Coastwatch Irvine members

A while back I wrote about an exciting project to bring the Pilot House back into community use.  I am delighted to report that things are progressing with the Pilot House Restoration project.

I met with Coastwatch Irvine on Saturday at the Pilot House where they were speaking to the public about their plans.  STV were there filming folk on the beach enjoying the good weather and also stopped for a chat and seemed interested to do a piece on the project in the future.

There will be an organised tidy up of the grounds at some point soon and will continue to canvas around the area, if you see them stop for a chat.  There are boards up on the fence at the Pilot House which show plans and contact details.

Coastwatch are still recruiting more volunteers, if you are interested in getting involved Billy Lamb is the person to contact.

Irvine Riverside Tidy

Pleasure to have taken part in the tidy organised by Irvine Action on Saturday.  

The weather stayed dry and everyone was in good spirits working away.  As with the Kilbirnie tidy the evening before our young people were very well represented making up a big proportion of the volunteers.

Before and after pictures, lots of rubbish lifted and some extra volunteers joining as the tidy progressed.

A good morning's work!

Please Support local Irvine band Culann

Excellent Irvine rock band Culann have been nominated for a Scottish Alternative Music award.  You can show your support by voting for them online at www.officialsama.co.uk/vote.co.uk

http://culann.bigcartel.com/

YES day of Action - 26th January 2013

The 26th of January sees activists all over Scotland taking to the streets for a day of action.  Here in Irvine YES North Ayrshire campaigners will be busy at the cross from 1030 speaking with shoppers, visitors and workers about the possibilities of Independent Scotland.  Members of all parties or none who support Independence are most welcome to come and help.  For details of events near you visit www.yesscotland.net 

Irvine - Cycle Friendly Town?

I was pleased to learn yesterday that funding has been secured from Sustrans Scotland to identify the potential to develop and promote Irvine as a Cycle Friendly Town.  The Study area includes the Irvine West and Irvine East Wards and Eglinton Country Park within the Kilwinning Ward.  Eglinton Country Park was included within the Study as it was identified as a key location for Irvine residents to visit.

The aim of the Study is to identify a programme of recommendations to make active travel a viable option for everyday journeys in and round Irvine and encourage modal shift to cycling.  

Cycle Friendly Town status and the safe cycling environment that comes with it encourages more people of all ages to make journeys by bike.  Taking part in even 30 minutes of exercise a day can improve Health and Wellbeing.  Being a form of transport it can be one of the easiest ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine - saving money, increasing fitness and being good for the environment to boot.

The first stage of the process is a consultation, I'd encourage all interested parties to take part online at the address below:

http://www.mvasurvey.com/cyclingirvine/ 

Information on existing cycle routes throughout North Ayrshire can be found here on the website 

Thanks to Irvine Bay Gymnastics Club

The bauble from my goodie bag -
(cup cake eaten on bus home!)

Thanks to Irvine Bay Gymnastics Club for inviting me to their Christmas Display at The Flipside today.  What a wonderful club, I was hugely impressed with how friendly and inclusive it was.  Gymnasts of all ages and abilities are welcomed and encouraged.  I really enjoyed watching all the various teams and disciplines showing their routines.  As well as the obvious skill and talent the energy and camaraderie between members was great to see.  Well done to all involved!

Front row seats complete with goodie bags were definitely a privilege however brought with them a couple of hairy moments as gymnasts attacked their tumbles at high speed towards us!


You can find out more about the club on their website http://www.irvinebaygc.co.uk/

Irvine Harbourside, Hidden History and Positive Future

This morning I attended the launch of The Irvine Harbourside project and what a brilliant end to the week it was!  

The project is being led by Irvine Burns Club and is all about re-discovering and promoting the vibrant history and heritage of the area and celebrating it with all sections of the local community.  Town trails, interpretive signage and artworks, scots language links and events aim to heighten the profile and drive additional cultural tourism to the area.

"Kilmarnock Edition" Manuscripts can
be found in Irvine Burns Club

During Bill Nolan's presentation we heard one of the areas claim to fame is the role that the Harbourside played in bringing together Captain Richard Brown, a local seafarer, and a young Ayrshire Farmer, Robert Burns, during his stay in the town between 1781 and 1782.  As Burns freely admitted some five years later in a letter to Brown, it was his advice on hearing some of Burns poems that encouraged Burns "to endeavor at the character of a Poet" and have them published.  

Project Manager, Marion Francis was keen to stress that the project was not just for experts on local history, that everyone had a part to play.

Local people are being urged to get involved. Leaflets will be put through each door in the area, meantime, more information about getting involve can be found at irvineharbourside.org 

Hugely inspiring to hear about and great to see such enthusiasm and drive to create something positive for the area.  I look forward to helping in any way I can in the lead up to project completion in May 2014.

Safer Streets, all playing our part

Yesterday morning in Irvine I met with a large group of folk and took part in a Safer streets audit.

The aim, to achieve a busy, vibrant, safe town centre over the festive period by identifying potential problems and preventing them before they happen.  

For me, yesterday was a great example of the commitment there is to partnership working in North Ayrshire.  Led by Chief Inspector Roddy Newbiggings along with Irvine community police officers the group had local licencees and business owners, taxi drivers and marshals, youth workers, CCTV, the fire service, environmental health, members of the licensing board and local Councillors.  

Audit sounds like something that goes on behind a desk but the process was practical and simple; we walked the streets in the centre and talked.  Where folk could see potential problems actions were agreed to address them.  

Extra Police officers will be deployed in the town centre and following feedback from one of the licensees will change where they patrol slightly to ensure that they are as visible as possible.  Other things like extra bins out and street cleaning to remove any bottles, the supermarkets coming into the centre to ensure all their trolleys are removed before revelers arrive for the evening and use them for go carts, damaging themselves or shop windows! will all contribute to making the city centre an environment conducive to having a good time in the evening.  

Prevention isn't a difficult concept, but in practice can involve a huge range of services, exercises like the Safer Street audit are just one of many ways that North Ayrshire is working with partners to make a difference.  I was glad to have seen it in action and look forward to hearing about the impact it has had.

Pilot House restoration

Pleased to report that plans I first heard about back in May are workable.  There is much to do but I am sure we will see the Pilot House restored and providing benefit to the community not just as a visitor attraction but also in it's function as a monitoring station.

I'll update this as we progress......watch this space as they say.

Marymass - Festival of Light Procession and Fireworks

Great night at the procession and fireworks with the family. 

Lots more going on for Marymass check out North Ayrshires website for details.