COMMUNITIES have been warned they may need to sweep their own streets as the council readies people for swingeing cuts.

Corporate director Laura Friel says places like Largs and Millport will require a more 'collaborative approach' in terms of service delivery as council finance bosses look to save nearly £50m over the next three years.

As we went to press this week, local councillors were having a meeting with NAC Chief Executive Craig Hatton to discuss the dire financial situation.

North Ayrshire chief say they cannot continue to provide the same level of public services under the current financial model as the Scottish Government cuts their funding.

They say community groups must look at taking over the management of council-run facilities such as the Brisbane Centre, centres and libraries if they are to survive.

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch told the last Largs Community Council meeting that a local committee could be formed to takeover Douglas Park in Largs after general maintenance was cut.

Moves to close community buildings has proven to be deeply unpopular

A report shows that the council is looking to shave off £17.1m from its budget in 2020/21.

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has also been highlighted as a threat to finance.

Cllr Alex Gallagher, who is chair of the economy portfolio in North Ayrshire, said: "Personally I don't want to cut anything, but the reality is that our revenue budget is just over £300m. When I started at the council 12 years ago the revenue budget was £343m, and we now have all these extra services to deliver. If you cut £100m from the council budget, as has happened over recent years, then something has to go."

Cllr. Tom Marshall added: "In terms of service delivery, it means that the council is going to do less for the communities. This could be in terms of street sweeping, flower beds being maintained, etc. It may mean communities may have to look to their own devices to keep the place tidy.

"Then you have possible asset transfers, the council is looking for community groups to come forward and take over the running of facilities.

"It is a pretty desperate situation, but this is where we are."

Laura Friel, Executive Director of Finance at NAC, said: "A key component of the council’s approach will be defined by the relationship between the council and communities within the context of service delivery and available financial resources and how a collaborative approach can generate positive outcomes for the citizens of Largs and Millport, and other towns and villages in the North Coast.

"The scale of Scottish Government grant reductions in recent years and those forecast in future years mean it will become increasingly difficult for local authorities to remain financially sustainable under the current model.

"Our budgets have decreased significantly over a number of years.

"Keeping pace with the increasing demands for social care services through demographic pressures continues to present a significant challenge."