NORTH Ayrshire Council have been recognised by a presitigious association after being nominated for seven of its awards.

The Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Service Awards are open to authorities from across the United Kingdom.

This is the second time that the council have been a finalist across a broad range of areas. This year they are shortlisted for; best housing regeneration or new built initiative, best private partnership working initiative and best public partnership working initiative, best catering service team of the year, best construction and building service team of the year, best transport and fleet service team of the year and best highway, winter maintenance and street lighting n service team of the year.

Council leader, Willie Gibson said: “This is fantastic news for North Ayrshire Council and demonstrates the innovation and quality of service being delivered to our communities.

“Being shorlisted for seven awards is a magnificent achievement. It reflects the positive transformation taking place across the council and underpins our commitment to public service excellence.” Chief Executive, Elma Murray has praised the hard working staff of the council and says that being a finalist is all down to them.

She said: “Our staff are dedicated to delivering excellent services to North Ayrshire’s communities. Their passion for innovation makes the council sector leading and this year’s APSE Service Awards recognise that.

“I am thrilled that our staff’s efforts are being rewarded publicly and I hope we can convert our shortlist into a winning list.” The winners will be announced on September 3.