South Ayrshire Council

Ward No 1 : TROON

END OF TERM REPORT

Life had been very busy in Council land, as the school holidays and the Council recess approached. o It even more hectic than usual, as we tidied up the loose ends and finished the session with a good gody of work under our belts. o We also had a Best Value Audit re-visit earlier this year, and Ausdit Scotland's report on the re-visit arrived recently. o It recognises the work we have done and the changes we have made, and it states "South Ayrshire Council has made good progress." o We know we still have lots of work to do, but we can now move forward to face the difficult challenges ahead with renewed confidence.

The Council's success, though, is not measured by how pleased the Accoints Commission might be, it is measured by how well we deliver services in local communities. o It is local communities themselves that are best placed to identify what the local needs are, and I see Community Councils as having a key role to play in being the focus for these locally identifies needs. o At a recent meeting of the Association of Community Councils we agreed that the way forward had to be by partnership, and by identifying how we can work together to benefit the local community. o As council budgets are squeezed, and we have hard decisions to make, this dialogue with local communities, businesses, and others, will be important in helping ensure that we target the priority issues, to ensure we get the best value for money that we can achieve.

Elswhere, I have been out and about, with visits to Girvin, Maybole, Coylton, Kirkmichael, Minishant, Straiton - meeting people, speaking with staff and gaining a better understanding of the issues that affect people across South Ayrshire.

With the school term at an end, has been the season for prize-giving ceremonies. o With my fellow Troon Councillors I had the pleasure of attending the 40th Anniversary Awards of Troon Thistle FC, the junior Achievement Awards in Troon Concert Hall, and then the Marr College Prizegiving ceremony. o Well done to everyone. o Well done too, the Proclaimers, who sang to a full house recently in the refurbished town hall. o June also saw the annual Taxi Day, and the crowning of the gala Queen, and the Community Council's Mini Fair. o It looks like summer has arrived.

As we move into the recess, I wish to thank all of my Councillor colleagues for their work and their commitment. o Despite all the flak we take, an enormous amount of time and effort is put in by local Councilors, across parties, to do the best we can for the people of South Ayrshire.

I hope you all enjoy your summer.

Councillor Bill McIntosh

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