People from across Irvine are being invited to use their voice to help influence decision-making at a local level.

The call comes from Irvine Community Council, who last month elected a new-look committee.

They are now organising an action survey to gauge what people think about the main issues in the area.

The new chairman is Chris Pless, who is from Renfrewshire and has lived in Irvine for seven years.

He said: “My aim is to influence as much benefit to the community as possible and we aim to try and secure new members. 

“Community councils are voluntary organisations that have a role in law to represent the views of the local community on issues that affect its residents.

“We want to be visible, not stuck away in a corner somewhere.

“If there’s something in the area that affects the community, such as a proposed housing development, licensing application or even improving local facilities – then this is something the community council could get involved in.

“If you are a resident of Irvine, are you interested in finding out more about becoming a community councillor and potentially doing your bit to help your local community?

“Perhaps you’ve got a concern about something in the area that you’d like the community council to take a look at?”

Throughout 2024, Irvine Community Council are beginning to plan key areas for action for the coming year.

They would love to hear the views of as many members of the local community as possible. 

People are asked in the survey if they live within the boundary of the community council, did they know it existed, are there specific issues they would like looked into.

They are asked about Christmas events, community engagement, safety and policing, planning and licensing.

The survey asks how the community council would improve people’s experience of Irvine, what works well in the town and what doesn’t work well and also if people would be interested in joining the group or kept informed of their activities.

For more details, log on to irvinecommunitycouncil.org.uk.