A SALTCOATS councillor has decided to get his hands dirty, arming himself with a lawnmover to tackle untidy green spaces as the coronaviris crisis continues to bite.

Cllr Jim Montgomerie decided to take things into his own hands after a resident got in touch about clearing up the Saltcoats War Memorial ahead of the VE Day 75th anniversary.

And Cllr Montgomerie, who deals with grass cutting, litter and rubbish collection as Labour Cabinet Member for Place, has since tackled other areas about the town – and even offered to help collect the bins too.

He said: “I got a call from a constituent concerning the Saltcoats War Memorial asking why it was not done. So said I would give them a call to see what could be done.

“But I thought as they have got enough on their plate, I’ll just go down and cutit myself. “A couple of the neighbours got out to help. It was phenomenal, and people were giving out crisps and juice and chatting. It was absolutely fantastic.

“After the Cenotaph, I cut the triangle on Caledonia Road, then Adair Avenue, Scott Place and Brown Place that area since the boys are up to their eyes in it.

“When it all kicked off I had offered my building and project to the council or NHS, and also said to one of the directors with the people collecting the bins, if they are struggling to get people because of phoning in sick I’m available. I don’t want to be one of those councillors sitting about the house doing nothing. At the end of the day you’ve got a responsibility.

“I would urge everyone please be patient, we’re in a situation we’ve never been in before in unprecedented times. Life’s more important and the council is trying to get out all these food parcels and deal with the bins.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “A reduced grounds maintenance service will resume this week. The plan is to do this in phases.

“The first phase will focus on public parks and promenade areas.

"This will ensure when lockdown measures are eased and people can sit in and enjoy our parks, it will be suitable to do so.

"We appreciate everyone's patience on this matter.”