Due to an initiative of the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership the residents of each of the three blocks of high flats in Riverside Place in Ayr now have an alfresco meeting place.

Scott Court, Stevenston Court and Burns Court each have an outside area that has had large tubs planted to brighten the area and garden furniture installed so that residents can socialise with their neighbours and friends outside.

Councillor Douglas Campbell, the Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership, said:  “Members of the Partnership work closely with local people and other organisations to improve the appearance of communities and importantly encourage a sense of community spirit.  This project has been a great success and I hope that the residents enjoy the seating areas.”

The project was a team effort with residents, Community Support Officers, Junior Community Support Officers, Caretakers and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) working together.

Staff from the BTCV supplied all the materials necessary to create the outside meeting areas and also supplied people to help carry out the work free of charge.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Convener of the Council’s Community Safety Committee said:  “People of all ages have been involved in this initiative and it has been a great opportunity for different generations to work together and improve facilities for the residents.  I am sure that many people will gain pleasure from the planted tubs and that the seats will be well used.”

Creating the alfresco meeting place has been a real community effort.

August 2006