RESIDENTS of Girvan and South Carrick are furious as they feel their community is a second thought compared to the rest of South Ayrshire. 

Funding for Ayr's Citadel Leisure Centre, the Ayr Flower Show, Holy Fair, The Air Show, Ayr Renaissance and the new Troon Golf Clubhouse costing £1.5 million does not seem to have been stopped.

But this does not prevent cuts being made else where, particularly in across Carrick.

The Budget could see the closure of gala days and community centre in this area as a result of excessive and unaffordable bills.

A series of letters from Cllr Alec Oattes to Bill McIntosh, Leader of the Council and John McDowall, Deputy Leader addressed these issues. 

It said: "I am writing to both of to make you aware of the disappointment, dismay and anger within the Communities of Girvan and South Carrick as a result of the 'Budget Decisions.'

"I accept that difficult choices have to be made in this age of Austerity, with diminishing resources plus increasing demands for services but the charges you have imposed, without warning or consultation, on Community Organisations who organise Gala Days are taking the feet from these Communities, who in effect help local groups and charities to raise funds for local good causes.

"The second blow to hit these Rural Communities in Girvan and South Carrick are the letters from South Ayrshire Council, which have been sent out, again with no prior warning or consultation to Community Associations, giving notice that they will now be charged for heating and lighting in the Community Centres, which are at the very heart of village and town life. 

"I have been made aware, that most if not all of these associations just do not the have funds to cover these new charges. 

"So I ask you what are these Community Groups to do, just pack up and leave the Village Halls empty and unused, which will be yet another liability on the Council.

"It has been suggested that Officers will visit these Groups to suggest alternative funding, just where is this funding to come from?"

Bill McIntosh replied: "In your email you say 'it is just not acceptable to blame it on the Scottish Government'. 

"The reality, as you well know, is that the unpalatable decisions forced on this Council as a result of the much reduced financial settlement we received from Scottish Government as a direct result of priorities set by them.

"You bemoan the impact of these decisions on local communities, but we have budgets to balance, and the reality is that even more unpopular decisions still require to be made. 

"With specific reference to the funding for galas, you did not oppose the budget decisions made on the day."

The Ayrshire Leader, a separate organisation, will fund 90 per cent of this years village galas and events but they are still at threat next year. 

Cllr Oattes continued: "I am in principal not against these other events or projects, but not at a cost to fragile Rural Communities where the Community Hall is at the very centre of the social fabric of the various Communities.

" You know very well, that as a member of the opposition, it would not have mattered a jot what I said or did on Budget day in the Council Chambers these unfair cuts would have gone through.

"Communities throughout South Carrick are angry and dismayed ... this problem will not go away and will come up at the Public Processes Panel in the future."

On behalf of these communities, he is asking the Leader of the Council to think again.