On Tuesday (September 9) 20 pupils from Ardrossan’s Winton Primary School joined with representatives from Police Scotland, North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to discuss what they like and don’t like about living in the area. The issues identified included dog fouling, speeding vehicles and graffiti.

The walkabout was held as part of the current Safe Positive Communities action plan operating in the town.

North Ayrshire Council Street Scene officers provided information on how litter and dog fouling affects communities while other partners gave an input on their work in the area.

Sergeant Mo Boyle, Local Authority Liaison Officer, commented: “It was great to hear that the majority of young people enjoy the area they live in – there are some things though that can affect the quality of life for residents in any community and the aim of today’s walkabout was to identify these issues.

"Police and partner agencies will now work together with the community in an effort to address the concerns raised.” Campus Police Officer at Ardrossan Academy, PC Scott Murray, added “It was great to hear from the pupils about the area they live in.

"It is important that we listen to the young people in our communities and find out what matters to them.” A Primary 4 pupil at the school summed the event up by adding: “We are lucky we have great views and the best ice-cream here but the dog fouling isn’t nice”.

Police and partners will return to the school in the coming weeks to provide an update on activity in the area.

Residents are urged to contact Police and report any incidents in the area by calling 101 (always dial 999 in an emergency), Community Wardens can also be contacted by calling 01294 314690 or by speaking to representatives when they are on patrol in the area.

Regular updates on the initiative can also be found on Twitter by following #SafePositiveCommunities or at the North Ayrshire Housing Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nachousingservices.