RESIDENTS of Girvan and South Carrick will be able to attend hustings at Girvan Academy this Friday.

Alec Clark, Gavin Scott, Karen Clark  McCartney(all independent) Owen Martin (Labour) Ian Fitzsimmons (Scottish Conservatives) and Peter Henderson (SNP) will be available for questioning on their vision for the area.

Gavin Scott said: "Roads and pavements are nothing short of dangerous. This needs to be addressed before there is an accident. 

"I want to supply neck alarms for the elderly, vulnerable and the less able members of our society. They need to be aware of all the benefits available to them and their carers. 

"If elected I will address council tax and make sure there no increases without discussion between the parties and not just have them thrust open.

"Girvan Harbour needs to be kept tidy and to be prevented from deteriorating any further and help market it. We need to keep moorings safe and to attract more overnight stays with the sailing community with a reasonable berth rate.

"We need to ensure wheely bins are emptied regularly and noone should be charged for this service. It is important for councillors to be honest and transparent with every day issues and council matters.

"Drug issues are prominent in Girvan and I will not sweep that under the carpet. These are just some of the problems which need addressed. 

"With your help to become a councillor I will do everything in my power to address these problems."

Former cllr and candidate Alec Clark, said: "On April, 27 we will see the opening of the “Quay Zone” Girvan and South Carrick`s new Leisure Centre.

"I would like to express my appreciation to South Carrick Community Leisure and all of those volunteer trustees past and present who give so much of their time to bring this dream together with a special thanks to Ken Johnstone, SCCL Project manager Peter Linton and South Ayrshire Council Officers who have tirelessly worked on the project.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the tireless work of the late Mike Webber and Ian Rodgerson who through Girvan Community Developments Ltd and Girvan Swimming Pool Ltd would have been proud to see this achievement for the town and people of Girvan."

Candidate Clark will continue to work with communities to ensure their voice is heard. More can be found in this week's Herald. 

Karen Clark McCartney said: “This really is my dream, I am truly passionate about our area, communities and most importantly our people.”

Owen Martin said: "Over the last forty years I have worked for some of the major employers in this area. 

"I firmly believe in workers rights and the right of every worker to earn a decent wage and benefit from good terms and conditions from their employers."

Ian Fitzsimmons follows the Scottish Conservative manifesto who are set for focusing on schools and local services, as well as giving the area a sense of meaning and purpose and being the 'engines of growth'.

The conservative group writes in their manifesto: "We have seen Scottish GDP growth, productivity levels and business confidence lag behind the rest of the UK. 

Locals will be able to ask more questions to each of these candidates from Friday, April 28 at 7pm. Doors open at 6.30pm. For more election coverage see pages 16-17.