WEST Kilbride residents and were given their first chance to question candidates ahead of the upcoming council by-election in an online hustings.

The event was organised by Dalry Community Council and saw a good turnout, with voters eager to hear from four of the prospective councillors.

The by-election was called following the resignation of Joy Ibrahim, and will take place on August 12.

Candidates present at the hustings were Robyn Graham of the SNP, James McDaid of the Socialist Labour Party, and Ronnie Stalker of the Scottish Conservative and Unionists.

The Scottish Labour Party’s Valerie Reid could not attend and fellow party councillor Nairn McDonald spoke in her place.

Voters were able to send in questions for the candidates to answer about issues such as improvements to the area, anti-vaccine views and anti-social behaviour.

The candidates also had a chance to speak to voters directly and explain why they wanted to be the area’s next councillor.

Robyn Graham, standing for the SNP, works for Friends of Portencross Castle and believes there is an opportunity to do great things locally over the coming years.

She said: “I really want to make a positive impact in my local community and I have had so many fantastic conversations with residents about what matters to them the most

“Hard work needs to be done on issues ranging from litter and dog mess to anti-social behaviour.”

James McDaid, of the Socialist Labour Party, is a retired teacher and says he wants to offer an alternative to voters in the election.

He explained: “I have lived in West Kilbride for 22 years now and I will commit myself 100 per cent to representing people and campaigning for policies that will improve things for us all.

“Jobs and investment are essential to this community, and it is essential that we have a campaigning councillor fighting for these.”

Mr McDonald, standing in for Ms Reid, says her working life has involved helping those less fortunate.

He said: “Valerie’s background is in fighting for people as a case worker for Alan Wilson as an MSP and also for Katy Clark as an MP and now MSP.

“She knows the ward inside and out and she has the area let down at times by its current representation.”

Ronnie Stalker is a local butcher who is standing for the Conservative and Unionist party.

He said: “As a local man, I understand the issues in our areas because I go through them every day in the area.

“I am a people person and I will always be available face to face, I want to help people and see the community move forward.”

Fellow candidates Ruby Kirkwood of the Liberal Democrats and independent John Willis were unable to attend the hustings.

Voting will open for registered electors in the Dalry and West Kilbride ward at 7am on August 12 and polling places will remain open until 10pm.

The count will be carried out electronically and result will be known the following day on Friday August 13.