GIRVAN and her surrounding villages have been described as the gateway to Ayrshire which needs support in the upcoming A77 challenge.

The A77 Action Group recently launched their online petition to the Scottish Government demanding a dual carriageway from Whitletts roundabout in Ayr to Cairnryan ferry port.

Elected councillors have agreed this problem needs to be addressed and are willing to help.

In a meeting with the Carrick Herald, cllr Alec Clark, said: “I hope we have enough enterprise to afford a trunk road at that end of the A77.

“There is abundance of traffic driving through our rural villages and towns. We are the gateway to Ayrshire. If we can reduce the traffic flow by at least one or two per cent that would make a difference.”

The Quay Zone, Girvan Harbour and town centre were also discussed. It seemed clear that something needed to be done to make the harbour and surrounding area more appealing to visit.

Cllr Alec Clark, continued: “Girvan could be a driving force for the surrounding communities. If we are really enterprising, we can benefit all.”

But regenerating Ayr Town Centre, could help benefit Girvan and South Carrick. South Ayrshire councils new bosses feel that Ayr developing Ayr could have benefits for other towns and villages. 

Cllr Brian Connolly said: “We require a strong Ayr.”

Cllr Brian McGinley added: “South Ayrshire needs to work in a community way. Tourists need to know what they are going to do in Girvan and other areas.

“We need to make sure these towns are attractive and give people reasons to go there. It is about how we promote our culture.

“But we also need to make sure we take care of our young and elderly in the community. Progress in one area should benefit everyone.”

Leaders also feel they can make some progress with the Maybole Bypass by providing money to aid with construction.The town recently received funding from the lottery.

Cllr Douglas Campbell said: “We can try match funding from the lottery to help with the Bypass. I think we have got to reroute lorries and traffic flow from the town onto a main road. 

“We also need to focus on Maybole’s heritage and portraying that to visitors.” 

Bosses say that the road ahead is a long one before complete regeneration is complete. They say they want locals to know that it is a journey which will take a while to complete.

Summing up Cllr Campbell said: “We want people to know about our visions for 2030 and 2050. We have a long journey ahead of us.

“Some projects may take more time than others but we are looking forward to it.”