Pledge over South Ayrshire crossings and public toilets

The claim came following a public meeting discussing the potential installation of public toilets near the play park at Belleisle.

Leader of South Ayrshire Conservative party, Martin Dowey, said he doubted facilities would be installed in the park as the administration have proposed to close all public toilets in South Ayrshire to save £17m.

But Cllr Siobhian Brown told the stunned gathering “That is not going to happen”.

She continued: “There are proposals to close the public toilets and cut lollipop services but that is not going to happen. Some budget proposals are realistic and others are not.”

Cllr Brown also said she believed there would be facilities created in Belleisle Park. 

She added: “I have heard these plans are going ahead but I am not sure when. If you take your children to the play park there are no toilets. I have been told they are going ahead and will bring this up with the appropriate team.”

Ian Duncanson, of Alloway and Doonfoot community council said: “I have spoken to Morag Duffy about this and she said they would not be going in.”

Chairwoman Marilyn Dalgleish, asked: “Why are some departments saying one thing and others saying something else?”

Cllr Martin Dowey said: “Perhaps they don’t know if they should open new toilets when they are already planning to close operational ones.

Some £260,000 worth of services has already been deleted from the proposals. We would have deleted the school crossing patrol.

“There are other ways to save money which we would have considered. There is money to build schools from a different budget. But there is no money for staff or facilities. 

“We would have protected services not jobs in South Ayrshire Council. That sounds terrible but something needs to give. We need to find money.”

Chic Brodie said: “One of my main concerns is that one of the primary schools may be closed, which is not ideal.”

The final discussion takes place on March 2.