Consultation on under-threat community facilities across North Ayrshire is set to kick off again after the efforts played by many centres over the coronavirus pandemic, with library services suffering near perpetual closure over lockdown.

Residents are urged to express their views on how libraries, community centres and halls deliver their services before looming cuts – which were previously kicked into the long grass by councillors.

People are now invited to view and comment on these plans which went

live last week on Friday [March 5].

Council bosses say the emphasis of their proposals is to ensure that these vital services continue to be delivered in communities across North Ayrshire, adding that a major element of this consultation will be on how to best deliver library, community centres and halls in a post-COVID-19 world.

Vineburgh centre boss and Cabinet Member for Participatory Democracy, Councillor Louise McPhater, said: “Although we started this consultation process long before COVID, it’s become very clear that we have to take on board the lessons learned during the pandemic to ensure we have services which fit the needs of our communities.

“Throughout lockdown, we worked hand-in-hand with local residents through our community hubs to offer help and support where it was needed. That’s why we’ll be continuing this partnership working in this latest phase of our consultation, giving the residents a prominent role in how the services are shaped.”

Due to current lockdown restrictions, face-to-face consultation will not be possible, however everyone will get the chance to take part.

The safest, most effective way to gather everyone’s views is online.

Until May 5, you can view and comment on the proposals here.

Those who cannot access the online consultation can email the council team at communityfacilities@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or call the council on 01294 310000 and hold “for all other enquiries” and they will set up a time to call you back and go through the consultation.

The phone line will be open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, between April 6 and May 6. Details of the consultation will also be issued alongside Council Tax letters to ensure no one misses out.