Key support for local community associations across the Largs area is needed to assure they can continue to be a success in years to come, according to a new council report.

North Ayrshire Council currently has a community contract arrangement with 26 community associations in the area – with 21 working with the council to complete a ‘health check’.

These checks looked at the finances and management of the associations, while examining the willingness and capacity of those who wished to increase their roles and responsibility in running community centres.

In a report to the council’s scrutiny committee, Karen Yeomans, executive director for economy and communities, said: “Most community associations indicated a desire to retain the ‘status quo’ in terms of their current relationship with North Ayrshire Council and did not wish to see a greater level of self sustainability, resilience and self reliance at this time.

“Through this engagement process, the communities and empowerment team have identified both the strengths and developmental needs of many community associations and, although there are common themes emerging from the ‘health check’, we would recommend a case-by-case approach to the development of skills and knowledge, as identified or requested by individual associations.

Community centres are currently operated via four different models - directly managed by NAC; through community contracts between the council and community associations; in partnership with NAC via service level agreements, and community ownership managed by volunteers or trusts.

Ms Yeomans has recommended continuing this model, while beginning work to build the skills of community groups and volunteers.

The council is also working with groups who are interested in the transfer of centres to community ownership as well as helping groups develop the use of social media to promote centres.

Ms Yeomans added: “The health checks have highlighted the strengths and contribution of the many volunteer partner agencies across North Ayrshire as well as identifying a wide range of training and assistance required to assist in the recruitment and retention of local volunteers.”