All the pupils at Ayr Grammar Primary School gathered in the main hall of the school to welcome the Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee, Councillor Pam Paterson, and Officers from Strathclyde Police for a very special launch.

The Council is working in partnership with Strathclyde Police, along with a number of sports facilities and retailers in South Ayrshire, to provide generous discounts to local children during the school summer holidays.

All school children in South Ayrshire will be issued with a ‘RAP’ (Recreational Access Pass) that entitles the holder of the card to discounted prices at a range of private sector retail outlets.  The ‘RAP’ card also enables young people to discounted access to certain South Ayrshire Council leisure activities including free swimming for the whole of the summer holiday period. 

Councillor Pam Paterson said:  “Strathclyde Police and the Council have worked closely on this project for a number of years to encourage young people to make good use of their free time during the summer holidays.  Once again the Council is delighted to be giving school children the opportunity to swim for free during the school summer holidays.

“Swimming is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, differing physical abilities and is a sport that people can enjoy for life. 

“The ‘RAP’ card widens the choices available to young people when they decide how to spend their summer leisure time.  I hope that young people in South Ayrshire will use their ‘RAP’ cards to help make their holiday enjoyable, active and safe.”  

Although the official launch took place at Ayr Grammar Primary School all school children across South Ayrshire will be able to get a ‘RAP’ card.

Chief Inspector Hugh McKnight from Strathclyde Police said:  “Schemes such as these have a beneficial effect on reducing youth related crime.  If young people are provided with positive ways of spending their time they are less inclined to become involved in anti-social behaviour.

“The ‘RAP’ card is an excellent example of how by working in partnership we can all contribute to making our communities a safer place to live.”

The scheme this year has continued support from the following businesses:

Ayr              
Drawrite; Ayrcraft; Boardwalk; Wesley Owen Books and Music; Craft Daft; Unique; Dorothy Perkins; Burtons; Games Stores; Millets; The Sweetie Shop; Pirate Petes; McDonalds; Halfords; Kentucky Fried Chicken and Carrick Cycles. 

Prestwick
Make ‘N’ Take, Pedals and the Space Place in Prestwick.

Maybole       
The Corner Pocket Snooker Club and Culzean Castle.

Girvan        
Blair Snacks; Beach Shop; Pedal Boats; Putting; Fun Fayre; Scorpions and Ainslie Books.

This year there are some additional businesses supporting the scheme, Ayrshire Equitation Centre, Roodlea Golf Centre, Coylton along with Kidz Play and Prestwick Golf Driving Range.

Invited guests and pupils at Ayr Grammar Primary School are pictured at the launch of the 2006 ‘RAP’ card.

June 2006