STEVENSTON Community Council officially re-launched last week in front of a packed audience at Ardeer Community Centre.

Following recent elections, the new members took their positions on Tuesday evening to discuss how they would work going forward.

And the two of the three main office bearers changed within an hour of the new era of Stevenston CC.

Taking over as Chair of the Community Council will be Gerard Pollock, who was put forward by Interim Chair Stevie Sinclair. Mr Sinclair will now take over the post of Treasurer and Liz Winters will continue as Secretary after winning a vote in her absence after Stevie Sinclair was also nominated for that post.

The meeting, which was chaired by Mr Sinclair, ran smoothly with the usual business being attended to, police reports and questions to North Ayrshire Council representatives on various issues affecting the vast and diverse town that is Stevenston.

Also attending on the night were representatives from a number of other community councils who offered their support and advice to the newly elected members on the Stevenston CC.

Near to the top of the list of topics was the continued closure of the car park in New Street with Cllr Sweeney keen to let members know that they are working hard to come up with a solution to the closure with all avenues being looked at to come to an agreement with the owners.

Local police answered all questions from members in regards to issues such as parking, drug use and CCTV, or lack thereof, before the floor was opened up to any other business.

Two members of the CC had a number of subjects to broach with ordinary member David Rodger speaking about the issues of derelict land in the town. After a few minutes of background, the discussion became heated and North Ayrshire Council were singled for criticism but Interim Chair Stevie Sinclair decided that enough was enough and stopped Mr Rodger from continuing to speak. The pair argued back and forwards before Mr Rodger was asked to leave the meeting.

The meeting was brought to a close shortly afterwards and the next meeting of the CC scheduled for Tuesday, May 22.