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Councillor Neill Watts Review of the Year 2023...



As 2023 draws to a close it has given us time to reflect on the ups and downs we have all endured across the year.


In some ways 2023 has been for most of us a pretty dreadful year, with the ‘Cost of Living’ playing a major part in all of our lives. The cost of Energy and Food continues to be a problem, as does the rise in people’s personal mental health in trying to deal with everything that has been thrown at them. I know that I have been constantly concerned this year about how families in the Cumnock and New Cumnock Ward are coping with these pressures.


However I have also been involved and attended so much across the Ward this year though that has been positive, some of the highlights of 2023 for me are:


  • Saving the Cumnock Public Toilets from Closure.


  • Attending the Official opening of the ‘New’ Netherthird Primary School.


  • Meeting Pupils at New Cumnock Primary School for the ‘World of Work Week’.


  • The completion of the New Cumnock Flood Defence Scheme.


  • Joining the Community at the Cumnock celebrations for the King's Coronation.


  • The Launch of the Netherthird ‘School Streets Scheme.


  • Spending the Day at Lochnorris Primary School for their ‘ World of Work Week’.


  • The Summer Concert at Robert Burns Academy.


  • Helping to organise the successful Re-Discover Woodroad Family Fun Day.


  • Fighting to keep a FREE Cash Machine in the proposed Banking Hub.


  • The completion of the Hedgerows Habitat Project at the Netherthird Community Garden.


  • Meeting the King at Dumfries House for the 15th Anniversary of The Prince's Foundation.


  • I also had an amazing visit to the Scottish Parliament to discuss local issues and concerns with the Scottish Shadow Cabinet MSP’s.


Looking forward to 2024, I will work to ensure that the Council continues to do everything it can to help hard pressed families and people in our area. I will also continue to push the Re-open Cumnock & Mauchline Railway Stations Action Group's Campaign, Enhancement and increased Community Events in Woodroad Park and Fight for a Primary School Swimming Scheme across East Ayrshire.


I wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year, let us hope that 2024 is much better for us all than 2023.


Councillor Neill Watts

Cumnock and New Cumnock Ward

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