Keep Scotland Beautiful have awarded Newton Beach in Millport recognition for the seventh year running due to the high standards provided to the public.

This coincides with an excellent rating from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for the quality of the bathing water.

I find it astonishing that North Ayrshire Council’s Russell McCutcheon, Head of Service for Commercial and Place is quoted as saying;

“Our beaches are fantastic and play an important role in tourism across North Ayrshire. The awards serve as a benchmark for the provision of facilities – from assessing toilet provision to the maintenance of beautiful promenades”

North Ayrshire Council have withdrawn their provision of toilets to the Island of Cumbrae, no longer provide plants for the hanging baskets and our flower beds will be getting a reduced amount of plants. It is only due to an asset transfer to Millport of the toilets that they remain open for the moment. Two of the promenade shelters are fenced off and apparently abandoned since no-one has thought to advise if/how/when they are going to progress these works. This is especially important as the school trips are currently taking place and the holidays start in a couple of weeks.

Anyone reading the articles in this week’s local press would see that NAC are appearing to take credit when they have actually dealt a severe blow to the Island by withdrawing services which are indeed vital to an Island that relies on tourism trade for its survival.

Our Council Tax has been increased, our services have been reduced and yet they fete themselves as champions!

Angela McCallum

Cumbrae Community Council