DESPITE protestors petitioning South Ayrshire Council, Coylton Library will remain closed to the public in the meantime.

James Ross and Jim Hamilton, former secretary and former chairman of Coylton Community Council respectively, made their case at the Public Process Panel at South Ayrshire Council last Thursday, September 29.
The library was closed, without public consultation, after the council announced a cut in its annual budget in March this year.

Addressing the panel, Mr Ross said: “I am sure you will understand why we want it back. Jim and I have been part of the community for quite some time and we did not encounter anyone who was not eager to sign this petition. The library should be reopened without haste. Public libraries play a huge part in our communities.

“We are of the view the council acted contrary to the Scottish Government’s plans for libraries as it has caused digital exclusion for both the young and the elderly.”

Mr Hamilton added: “I have lived in Coylton my whole life. Ayr is now the closest library. There is no place in Coylton where we can go for library services. We do not have a photocopying facility other than the post office.

“It does not always work and charges 20 pence a time. Now we have to get a bus to Forehill, weather permitting. This is not acceptable.”
It was pointed out by the head of enterprise, development and leisure, Jill

Cronin, that the library closed because not enough people were using it. The books and resources have been redistributed and a mobile service comes once a fortnight.

Cllr William Grant said: “I totally support the petitioners. We should have talked to these people. It is a growing problem. Even though we closed the library we should have found somewhere else to go. People cannot afford a £4.50 return on the bus. Not everyone has a car. Very few people used the library because it has unsuitable opening hours.”

Provost Helen Moonie added: “It is my understanding that there would be internet access and it would be in place by the time the library closed. This is something that should be referred back to the Leadership Panel.

“I would like to state my concerns about lack of internet access for the unemployed, who cannot afford bus fares to go to a library to submit an application form.

“This may result in benefit sanctions. We should make sure this does not happen because of the lack of internet.”

It was agreed to refer the issue back to the Leadership Panel.