AN IRVINE councillor has expressed his sadness at the vandalism of the Annick Community Centre. 

John Easdale is disappointed with the news that the fire which was started by vandals on September 29 has resulted in the roof of the centre in Bourtreehill having to be demolished.

There had been plans to bring the centre back to use by several organisations but the mindless act has scuppered the idea.

The Irvine East councillor has spoken of the negative impact it will have on the community and has called for residents to inform the police if they have any details on the vandals.

He said: “Until a few years ago the Annick Community Centre in Broomlands was an active community hub and has lain empty since then, when it was mothballed by KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council.

“The centre was targeted by local youths over the last 12 months, with several break-ins through the roof and were subsequently repaired by North Ayrshire Council. 

“In spite of this, two local organisations had expressed an interest in taking over the centre and bringing it back into use for their organisations and for the community, as discussions with KA Leisure and the council were at an early stage.

“I am sure the local community of Broomlands were appalled as I was, last on September 29, to hear about the fire in the centre early that morning, resulting in the roof having to be demolished for safety reasons. 

“This effectively put the final nail in the coffin for the centre, as the only safe option is for it to be completely demolished.”

He added: “Broomlands has now been denied a community hub to meet and for local voluntary organisations to use as a base, giving activity to the youngsters who constantly complain there is nothing to do in the area. 

“The talk locally is the vandals were young and I hope local people will inform the police if they have any suspicion as to who the culprits are.” 

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We share the same sense of disappointment expressed by Councillor Easdale. We held numerous meetings with the local community and were confident that a resolution could be reached and a Community Asset Transfer agreed.

“But this mindless act of vandalism put paid to the aspirations of the hard-working community and that is extremely disappointing.”