GET SALTCOATS back to its best ... that was the message from a meeting to set up a new committee to boost the town last week.

Last Thursday night, elected members, business owners and residents met to discuss what they could do for the town – and the focus group style meeting was a roaring success.

This followed an article in the Herald which highlighted the fact that Saltcoats had lacked a Christmas Lights switch-on for the past two years – and the response has been immense.

Councillor Willie Gibson, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “I’m very impressed. We can help out with grants and support funding but a committee has to be set up first.

“I’m urging everyone to make sure they walk before they try and run but this is just the start. People with the ability and energy to take things forward are needed and this is up to the community to organise it.” During the meeting, which took place at Sainsbury’s, there were three discussion tables where those in attendance were asked what they thought already worked for Saltcoats, what they could do to help make the town great.

The heated discussions around the tables showed the passion that people had for Saltcoats but questions were posed which will have to be looked at in order to move forward.

Queries regarding road closures, entertainment licenses and whether the Three Towns should come together were all asked.

The findings of the meeting will now be compiled by Carol of the Ayrshire Community Trust, who works for the Link-Up Saltcoats initiative aiming to make the town thrive and another meeting will be called in due course