STEWARTON and District Community Council are pleased to announce the acquisition of a brand new Community Bus, purchased with the assistance of a generous grant from the Renewable Energy Fund.

The 16 seat bus is fully fitted with seat belts, 2 emergency exits, a wheelchair ramp and a factory fitted side step. It is ideal for both local and longer-distance trips, in particular to support youth and community groups and sports teams.

The bus is available for self-drive hire by registered user organisations. Registration and bookings can be made at the Resource Centre, The Town House, 8 Avenue Square, Stewarton, KA3 5AB Tel: 01560 482775. Email: stewartoncc@tiscali.co.uk.

During the past 18 months the Community Council has been an active participant in the progression and development of the Community Led Action Plan, and has successfully achieved a grant of over £27,000 from the Renewable Energy Fund for the purchase of a new Community Bus, which is much in demand for use by a wide range of local community groups.  The Community Council also manages the Stewarton Rambler Chair Fund, which promotes the welfare of Stewarton residents who have mobility problems by reason of age, infirmity or disability.  This is achieved by acquiring the funds needed to supply, manage and maintain a fleet of 6 mobility vehicles known as Rambler Chairs which are used to gain access to the shopping, commercial, social and sport facilities throughout the Town.  The Community Council also achieved a grant from the East Ayrshire Council sufficient to pay for the flower baskets that were displayed around the Town during the 2016 Bonnet Guild Festival.

The Community Council plays a major part in making the necessary representations to the East Ayrshire Council about the consequences of the continuing growth of house building in Stewarton. The consequential increase in both population and vehicles is creating an increasing stress on the town  infrastructure; with the key areas of concern being the loading on the medical centre and schools, parking, and traffic management.  In addition, the Community Council provides a strong voice in demanding efficient waste disposal services, litter management, and the proper maintenance of our roads, street lighting, paths and open spaces. 

Recent Community Council meetings have been dominated by complaints about the anti-social behaviour and vandalism, usually involving young people, which have frequently occurred at a number of known locations throughout the town.   Community Police Officers routinely attend these monthly meetings, and so receive a direct input on these matters from well informed local residents.

There remain up to 10 vacancies for additional Community Councillors, and   appointments can be made between elections.  Candidates must be resident in Stewarton.  Further information is available from the Community Council Resource Centre (Tel: 01560 482775 and Email: stewartoncc@tiscali.co.uk).

There is a vacancy for a Volunteer Driver to assist with the management of the new Stewarton Community Bus.  The Bus must be refuelled every now and again, and driven to the Kilmarnock test centre for routine safety checks – all during normal working hours.  The Community Bus may be driven by anybody with a full driving licence.  Further information is available from the Community Council Resource Centre (Tel: 01560 480115 and Email: stewartoncc@tiscali.co.uk). 

The Resource Centre is located on the first floor of the Town House at No.8, Avenue Square, Stewarton.