Councillor Neill Watts: Review of the Year 2025...

Councillor Neill Watts - Cumnock & New Cumnock Ward

As 2025 draws to a close it gives us all time to reflect on the highs and lows from across the year.

This year has again been for most of us a tough year, the cost of Energy, Food as well as Inflation continues to be a problem and I was pleased to fully support Council initiatives like the two year funding of free School Meals for all Primary School Children and half price Meals for Secondary Pupils, which ensure the availability of a decent meal for all East Ayrshire children, as well as an increase to the Early Years Clothing Grant. These initiatives will continue to help families in East Ayrshire with the ‘Cost of Living’ pressures.

I was excited to see the start of the feasibility study for enhancements to Woodroad Park, this project has been a major focus for myself and the Cumnock Community. The study, being led by the Council and East Ayrshire Leisure, aims to explore ways to improve the park’s facilities and make it a better space for families and residents in Cumnock and the surrounding areas.

As usual I have also been involved and attended so much across the Ward this year, some of my highlights of 2025 were:

• Ayrshire Climate Hub's Roadshow,

• The Launch of the ‘New’ Cumnock Action Plan, 

• Cutting the ribbon and officially opening the Cumnock Banking Hub,

• Cumnock Community Council Carnival 2025,

• CAMPS 25th Anniversary Extravaganza Cabaret,

• New Cumnock Primary School’s performance of Mary Poppin's,

• Woodroad Park Family Fun Day 2025, 

• Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership Celebration Event,

• Opening the MaidSafe Foundation Christmas Market in Ochiltree,

• CAMPS Christmas Panto ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

The fantastic CAMPS cast of 'Alice in Wonderland' with Councillor Neill Watts

In 2026, I look forward to the completion of repairs to Cumnock Bus Station and eagerly await the proposals from the Council and East Ayrshire Leisure on the enhancements to Woodroad Park for our Community at the completion of the feasibility study.

I will continue to fight for the ‘best possible local services’ at ‘the lowest possible cost’ and to keep Council Tax rises in 2026 as low as possible.

I will carry on supporting all of our fantastic local community groups across the ward, from Cumnock to New Cumnock and Netherthird to Ochiltree.

I wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Councillor Neill Watts - Cumnock and New Cumnock Ward

Leader of the Conservative Group