SOCIALIST campaigner Bobby Cochrane has blasted his fellow Irvine West candidates - for not actually living in the constituency.

The East Road resident claims he is the only candidate that lives in the Irvine West ward.

And the Socialist Labour candidate says he will stand up for the area he claims is “desperately” crying out for a strong candidate.

Mr Cochrane is hoping he will be elected on August 11 to the seat vacated by Ruth Maguire.

He said: “Of the six candidates contesting the forthcoming by election I am one of only two who actually live in the Irvine West ward

“The Irvine West ward has areas within it that have a life expectancy for residents 10 years lower than the Scottish average. 

“That this is the case is scandalous but what is worse is that this situation has existed for many years and continuing. 

“Yet the so-called “major” political parties cannot even muster a candidate who lives here to represent them in a council ward that is desperately calling out for a representative who is not afraid to raise the critical issues facing many of the people of Irvine.”

Mr Cochrane added: “North Ayrshire Council should be building houses which would meet two desperate needs of this ward - homes for those that need them and jobs and apprenticeships for unemployed building workers and youth looking to build a future. 

“If the council say they do not have the necessary resources to do this then they should be demanding that the Scottish Parliament and Westminster provide them. 

“Can anyone recall the last time a local councillor made such a demand and then backed it up with action? 

“Last week I pointed out the cuts being administered by our timid councillors – from the closing of the Municipal Bank to the hiving off of libraries and community centres. 

“On Thursday, August 11 cast your vote for a councillor who will challenge the status quo and fight for a better future for Irvine’s people. Vote Bobby Cochrane, Socialist Labour Party for a campaigning councillor.”