CAMPAIGNERS joined forces in opposition to plans for Ayr’s Riverside. 
On Wednesday, April 11 the Ayr Advertiser Series were invited to a meeting to discuss the campaign for a heritage site.

Our initiative is to allow archaeologists to keep digging and include their discoveries in a heritage site at the Riverside which compliments the town. They have already found remains of 18th and 19th century Ayr including the former Kings Arms building which was knocked down in the 1930s.

Supporters of the campaign feel that a history centre could include a glass floor allowing locals and tourists to walk over and see remains of the old town below. We presented and discussed our campaign at the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown community council last week. 

Patrick Lorimer, an architect, said: “Ayr has a fantastic history and the people of Ayr have some really good buildings to use. This proposal is terrible, mundane and ghastly. It would be fine in the outskirts not in the heart of Ayr. We have got to reject this building and current application.”

Chairman Norman McLean, said: “We do not want a site which is second rate and mediocre. The only thing that can stop it, is support from the community. In years to come, our grandchildren will say, what did you do to oppose this and stop this building. The council needs to listen to us and they are not.”

Russell Andrew, of the Alloway and Doonfoot community council added: “The pre planning application website portrays everything as being rosey and it is not. They make out the objections are one or two lines when there are not.”

Phil Martin said: “The public consultations were full but there was nowhere to leave comments. Loads of people were making very good points but noone was noting them down.”

Chairman McLean commented: “I think the community will be very disappointed if they are not listened to. The best thing we can hope for is for them to withdraw the application and for them to go back to square one.”

Another public meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 18 at 7pm at Ayr Town Hall where they will discuss the next steps to oppose the council plans including practical action.

To join our campaign visit https://www.change.org/p/ayr-advertiser-back-our-petition-for-a-historical-attraction-at-ayr-riverside
To comment on the council plans visit http://publicaccess.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P3EUMEBDHJR00