South Ayrshire Council

Ward No 1 : TROON

NEWS LETTER

ECONOMIC GLOOM AND FLORAL SUNBURSTS

As I write this, mid-July, it seems as though the whole of South Ayrshire has gone on holiday. o Over a recent weekend, the streets of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon were quite empty, and even the golf courses were particularly quiet. o With if iffy July weather and the credit crunch squeezing us on all sides, going away for a break seems a sensible option if you can manage it. o Even travelling is an expensive business now, though, with petrol prices soaring, energy bills rising, and holidays at home or abroad being more expensive due to fuel costs, the Euro, etc. o With all of these holiday problems around, let's hope that the traditional attractions of Troon will encourage visitors to come here and enjoy themselves as they have for many a year.

All of these rising costs are having an effect in Council land too. 0 The rising petrol and energy costs will make it even harder for us to balance the books, but we'll just need to try that bit harder. o On a brighter note for us hard-worked Councillors, ( and the hard-pressed Council officers who have to put up with us) the Council recess has just begun, so I am looking forward to a bit of respite from the constant rounds of meetings, seminars, workshops and all the rest. o More importantly though, it will give me a chance to catch up on reading some of the backlog of Council papers - they come at me at a faster rate than I can ever get through them.

You will shortly see me and some of my colleagues doing the rounds, delivering leaflets for you to read on those balmy summer days, so you can wave to us as we trudge round the streets of Troon. o You may well sigh at the thought of more leaflets, but spare a thought for those poor souls unfortunate enough to live within the boundary of Glasgow East parliamentary ward. o Through no fault of their own, the By-Election there has meant that armies of politicians and activists of just about every imaginable political persuasion have descended on the east end of Glasgow. o The result may be known by the time you read this, but never mind who wins, just think of all the poor blighters whose summer was ruined by the political whirlwind that descended on them.

I was at my monthly Councillor's Surgery at Troon Library in July, and I have to say that the floral display was excellent. o Year in, year out, I am impressed by the high standards achieved, so it's hats off to all of the Council workers who do us proud. o Troon really is a lovely wee town, so get out there and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Oh, and did I mention that by the end of the month, it's only 147 days to Christmas. 0 Who says the Council doesn't kep you informed?

For now, should you wish to contact me, you can 'phone me on 01292 318145, or email me at: bill.mcintosh@south.ayrshire.gov.uk

Bill McIntosh

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