NORTH Ayrshire Council this week confirmed that they are investigating events in the lead up to the recent vote of West Kilbride Community Council.

In documents received by the Herald, claims are being made that money was awarded from the West Kilbride Community Trust in exchange for word being spread about votes in the Community Council election on Monday, November 14.

A stringent list of terms apply to anyone making an application for money from the Trust including but not limited to the following:
*Incomplete forms will be returned without being considered
*Must be accompanied by a copy of the most recent Financial Accounts
*Must have appropriate quotes attached.

It is alleged that at least one of awards of money was made without any such claim being put in by the community group and that this was allegedly done to ensure votes for the community council election, which took place five days after the meeting of the West Kilbride Community Trust.

A list of the community groups awarded at November’s meeting was given to local Councillor Elizabeth McLardy who noted that a number of groups had been given funding for the second time in less than 12 months.

She claims that at least one of these groups did not apply for any funding but received notice that they would be receiving some.

The Herald contacted John Lamb, Chair of West Kilbride Community Council but he didn’t wish to comment.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson confirmed: “We have launched an investigation after we received a complaint about alleged events prior to the West Kilbride Community Council elections.”