Kevin Dyson

Largs

Local Democracy Reporter at Ayr Advertiser

Local Democracy Reporter at Cumnock Chronicle

Local Democracy Reporter at Ayrshire Post

Keeping an eye on @southayrshire and @EastAyrshire. [email protected] FB https://t.co/DJh2o1A6pK * https://t.co/Z5ryShU7mM

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Articles

Older windfarms won't increase East Ayrshire community benefit cash says council

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Kevin Dyson

East Ayrshire Council said that other benefits, such as job training support were getting developer supportAttempts to increase the amount of money older wind farms give East Ayrshire’s communities were met with a firm ‘No’ according to East Ayrshire Council’s head of economic development. However, other moves around training and employment are being backed by developers and energy companies.
South Ayrshire bosses want up to £590k more for airshow after massive overspend

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Kevin Dyson

And one of the factors that may make a difference, according to Director of Communities and Transformation, Jane Bradley, is the weather. Officials have asked for up to an extra £590,000 to put on this year’s International Ayr Show after revealing a massive shortfall in its budget for last year’s event. And one of the factors that may make a difference, according to Director of Communities and Transformation, Jane Bradley, is the weather.
Rejected taxi fare hike would have made East Ayrshire one of most expensive for passengers

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Kevin Dyson

The decision was made to keep existing fares after concerns over the impact on those reliant on taxis. Councillors have rejected a proposed increase to taxi fares, choosing instead to maintain the current fare structure following strong public opposition. Taxi drivers had sought an increase in both basic fare up to three-quarters of a mile (up from £4 to £4.50) and the rate for subsequent distances (up from 20p to 25p every 125 yards), citing increased costs.
South Ayrshire Tourist Tax put on the back burner

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Kevin Dyson

The upfront costs, a lack of definitive 'cash benefit', and industry opposition led to councillors agreeing to pause the project for at least a couple of years. A new South Ayrshire tourist tax has been put on the back burner. But tourism spokesperson, Councillor Alec Clark, believes that despite the nature of the tax offered by the Scottish Government, a visitor levy was inevitable.
East Ayrshire councillors reject proposal to increase taxi fares

1 week ago | news.stv.tv | Kevin Dyson

Councillors have rejected a proposed increase to taxi fares, choosing instead to maintain the current fare structure following strong public opposition. Taxi drivers had sought an increase on basic fare up to three-quarters of a mile (up from £4 to £4.50) and the rate for subsequent distances (up from 20p to 25p every 125 yards), citing increased costs.
East Ayrshire set for biggest shake-up of ASN services in a decade

1 week ago | cumnockchronicle.com | Kevin Dyson

Councillors will consider a blueprint that would open new specialist learning centres, redirect resources to early intervention and prevention, while developing the ‘staged intervention’ model across every school. The work on ASN provision comes as demand continues to outstrip demand across the authority. Almost a third of local pupils are now recorded as having an additional support need - up from 20 per cent a decade ago.
Taxi boss slams council for 'red tape' over driver applications

1 week ago | cumnockchronicle.com | Kevin Dyson

In a strongly worded submission to the council’s licensing panel, Thistle Cabs boss Ross Gilmour says applications for new taxi badges have plummeted since officials reinstated a compulsory street‑knowledge test and introduced stricter medical checks. He says that the impact of the knowledge test has been "astronomical" and has led to drivers giving up on the application before they even attempt to get their licenses.
Taxi boss says East Ayrshire Council red tape is driving people away from trade

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Kevin Dyson

Thistle Cabs' Ross Gilmour says the requirements around 'street knowledge' and health checks are too onerous. A local taxi operator has accused East Ayrshire Council of driving would‑be cabbies away with “astonishing” red tape, threatening school runs, night‑time safety and the survival of wheelchair‑accessible services.
Councillors to decide on £100m East Ayrshire school investment

1 week ago | dailyrecord.co.uk | Kevin Dyson

The programme of refurbishment, extensions and rebuilds would cover more than a dozen East Ayrshire schools. East Ayrshire Council has unveiled a five‑year investment £100 million plan to refurbish, extend or rebuild more than a dozen schools, as well as delivering Scotland’s first EnerPHit‑certified primary in Galston. The blueprint is set to go before the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday ( June 18) as part of its Learning Estate Management Plan 2023‑24.
Ayrshire officials recommend ditching tourist tax plans

1 week ago | insider.co.uk | Kevin Dyson

Officials have asked councillors to shelve plans for a new ‘tourist tax’ for at least the next two years, following a backlash from South Ayrshire residents and businesses. Tourism accounts for a significant part of the region’s industry and, with council finances under severe strain, was considered a potentially fruitful way to increase income. Similar levies, which charge for overnight stays, have been introduced across the country; albeit with most facing some opposition.