Residents claim council look after 'affluent areas' first

The Herald was contacted by Prospecthill Road residents who say their road and pavements are in a sorry state, riddled with potholes and poor repair jobs.

And the street lighting has yet to be upgraded to LED, like other parts of the Three Towns.

One man told us: "We've seen that other, more affluent, parts of North Ayrshire have had improvements and repairs carried out. But despite our pleas, we've had nothing done."

The road and pavement needs repairs (Image: Contributed)

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council insisted all areas were treated equally and said they "understood the frustration" of residents.

But they said budget constraints meant work would not begin on Prospecthill Road until the 2025/25 financial year.

One Prospecthill Road resident said: "It certainly looks as though more affluent areas of North Ayrshire are getting priority.

"You just need to look around to see the more well off areas are sorted out first, while those living in the scheme just have to put up with terrible roads and poor lighting.

"We have repeatedly complained to the council about the state of the street. And while they may sympathise, nothing is ever done. 

"Other parts of the Three Towns have had both new street lighting installed and repairs to roads and pavements. It's not good enough."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, due to budget constraints it was not possible to undertake any improvements in the 2024/25 financial year to Prospecthill Road.

"We plan to undertake the upgrading of street lighting in the 2025/26 financial year. It would then be our intention to undertake resurfacing works later that year following completion of the street lighting upgrade.

“We understand the frustration of the residents, however the council has a considerable list of potential resurfacing locations at any given time.

"We follow an asset management approach to road maintenance and undertake condition assessments of all our roads and pavements on an annual basis.

"This approach takes account of the condition and prioritisation criteria established to meet council priorities.

“North Ayrshire covers a mixed geographical area and all areas are treated equally, with works being undertaken where they are needed and have the most benefit for the council area.”