THE Clean Up Tarbolton Woods Campaign (CUTWC) are ‘delighted’ after being awarded funding at the recent Ayr North Decision Day.

The group received £841, on Saturday, March 3, and it will be used to build a safe bridge for all the community to use to enable them to walk the historical right of way paths and visit the Brownies Parlour for recreational use.

Speaking to the Ayr Advertiser, Samantha Brown, Secretary for CUTWC, said: “We are absolutely delighted about the money, especially for all of the community groups that use Tarbolton Woods.

“The nursery and the schools have been using [the woods] for their nature days – the scouts and the cubs have also been using the woods for their night time walks and they will be using for their camp outs.

“But what has happened is the Lounsdale Bridge [also known as Kings Coil Bridge] to get to the Brownie Parlour has now been cut off. The ARA came up and deemed it dangerous, so we have not to cross it.

"We are gutted but keeping people safe is paramount. We truly hope that one day we will be able to restore or rebuild the Lounsdale but until such times we need a safe and secure bridge.

“In the previous clean up, we unearth sandstone steps at the site which takes you down to the Brownies Parlour and years ago, this was were there was an old bridge. 

“So, we thought – bingo – this is where we will look into getting a temporary bridge.

“This is what the money will be going towards – to get materials like wood, railings, nails and whatever else we need, and we will build it ourselves. 

“We will also use it for LED to make a path way towards the bridge, so people know where to go at night time.”

CUTWC are also recycling old tyres that were left in Tarbolton Woods and are looking for anyone to donate paint, soil and plants - if you would like to do so, you can contact Samantha at cutwc@outlook.com. 

If you would like to get involved with the CUTWC, their next clean-up is on Saturday, March 24 from noon until 3pm.