CARRICK Academy could have to wait another three years before their school will be redeveloped or re-built.

The issue was discussed at last week's budget meeting when it was announced £63 million had been allocated for improved and new build schools – including a new allocation of £7 million to fund improvements at Carrick Academy in Maybole. 

An additional investment of £3.5 million was also agreed for roads reconstruction and improvement – taking total investment in roads, bridges and street-lighting to more than £16 million between 2017 and 2023.

But Cllr William Grant was less than impressed. He said: "I support the redevelopment of Carrick Academy but disappoints me is that it will be 2020 before it can go ahead.

"It is a 1970s building which is falling to bits. You can't even open the windows."

Cllr Brian Connelly added: "The school has not benefited from funding since my 80-year-old mother went to school there. It is disgraceful. There are holes in the floor. You can speak to the classroom below."

Cllr Robin Reid, said: “Whether we are constructing new buildings or improving existing ones, it’s very much about investment in people and communities, and that’s a theme that runs throughout the capital programme.

“And that’s what matters. Our capital programme is creating a legacy for generations to come and shows just what can be achieved when we work in a planned and managed way to make the best of the resources we have.

“Our focus when setting this budget has been to protect the best interests of the people of South Ayrshire and it’s clear that we’ve done exactly that.”