People across North Ayrshire will get the chance to play a pivotal role in the future of libraries, halls and community centres.

The latest stage of wide-ranging engagement on community facilities is about to get underway.

North Ayrshire Council is looking for residents to help co-design the emerging plan as we work together with key organisations to develop local solutions.

The first of the drop-in sessions in the Three Towns and Garnock Valley areas will get underway from next week.

All sessions will run between 1pm and 4pm then again between 6pm and 8pm in the following locations:

Monday, September 9 – Dalry Library.

Thursday, September 12 – Beith Community Centre.

Tuesday, September 17 – West Kilbride Library.

Wednesday, September 18 – Bridgend Community Centre.

Thursday, September 19 – Ardrossan Library.

Tuesday, September 24 – Saltcoats Town Hall.

Thursday, September 26 – Ardeer Community Centre.

The sessions will concentrate on the future delivery of libraries, halls and community centres and how these services can best be delivered in years to come.

A working group was set up last year to develop proposals for more effective ways of ensuring people continue to access community facilities in challenging economic circumstances.

Following consultation with communities held earlier this summer, draft plans have now been drawn up and people are invited to get actively involved by making their voices heard at the sessions.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Louise McPhater, said: “Residents will be well aware of the financial challenges faced by Councils across Scotland - we have to find viable, economic solutions which allow us to continue to deliver the services people want.

“Empowering communities is at the heart of what we are aiming to achieve - we want residents to play a central role in helping to shape the future of our libraries, halls and community centres and would encourage them to come along and make sure their views are known.”

Views gained during the consultation will then be used to inform a report for Cabinet later this year.