FIRSTLY, I would like to thank the editor of the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald for inviting elected members of North Ayrshire Council to have the opportunity to participate in a councillor’s column.

I believe this will be a pivotal platform to help keep constituents updated on local issues and contributions made by those people they elected.

I was elected to council in May to represent the people of Ardrossan and I would like to take this chance to thank them for allowing me this privilege – I endeavour to serve you well over the next five years.

Not only am I on the planning and local review body committees, I am also the chair of the Three Towns Locality Partnership which provides support for our community, focusing on tackling issues which have been identified as priority areas for the Three Towns. Applications to the Community Investment Fund are considered through the locality partnership, which gives local groups the opportunity to access funding which will benefit our people. I am pleased to say that monies have been granted by consensus in our locality partnership since my joining in June and I hope this can continue.

Community spirit in Ardrossan is alive and kicking which is rousing to see. Having had the opportunity to go out and meet a number of different community groups, I recognise the readiness and enthusiasm the people of Ardrossan have in ensuring their town is not left behind any longer. I am excited to be part of that journey. I was pleasantly surprised to realise just how many groups are active in one town and I look forward to meeting with more of these local organisations in the coming weeks and months.

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People of Ardrossan voted for me because I promised to deliver investment in the harbour, South Beach, the marina, North Shore, and the new Ardrossan Academy School.

There have obviously been problems with the harbour, which is a huge concern to local businesses and residents. I will continue to liaise with relevant parties in this process to support the people of Ardrossan.

I was invited to attend the Ardrossan Academy prizegiving alongside other local elected members. It was fantastic to see the students praised and commended for their hard work and dedication – what an amazing achievement and well done once again to you all!

In contrast, it was sad to see the conditions these young people have to learn in. It is no secret that the new Ardrossan Academy Campus has been delayed for a minimum of 12 months which has shed light on the state of the current Ardrossan Academy. This school is in the worst condition of any school in North Ayrshire and as plans were in place for a replacement, no capital investment has been made over the past decade. Sadly, there are currently no plans to put investment into this school despite the reported delay.

It has been a pleasure representing this area in Council since May and I look forward to working closely and supporting the people of Ardrossan in the coming months.