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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