THE group fighting to save the Broomfield playing fields are set to take their campaign to the local Scottish election candidates.

With the Scottish parliamentary election less than 100 days away, the Save Broomfield campaign is looking to play a key role in helping voters understand how national party policies can have an effect on local communities.

Campaigner, Allan Gray said: “East Ayrshire is blessed with large green space and playing fields, providing exercise, play and better mental wellbeing to all of our communities. Broomfield, in particular, has this amazing benefit of a running track with exceptional tree lined views out of the valley.

"At the weekend, it comes alive with rugby, football, joggers and future sports enthusiasts learning to cycle on the track with proud parents. Is that not what life is all about? School argument aside, the East Ayrshire Consultation on the merger asked if the school should be located on Broomfield.

"Over 80 per cent said no and it was ignored. Our followers want to live in communities where they are involved in decisions that matter to them and their families. They want to be confident that both the local councils and elected members of parliament, who represent them, are speaking on their behalf and not following national policies that may work in cities and not transfer to small communities very well. This is not happening at the moment and it's why many people in East Ayrshire feel let down."

He added: "As we approach this important election in May, it would be important for any party chapping my door for support that they concentrate in our values as people, the way we want to raise our children, the benefits of local surroundings and that our opinions do matter in local democratic decision making.

"All the parties are now talking to us which highlights the importance of the issue could have on the electorate and more importantly, their seat. Communities are asking for change and want to know who will deliver it."

The group already have some very positive feedback from the RISE list candidate for the South of Scotland, Sarah Collins, who said in a recent meeting: "This campaign could really go to the heart of the two biggest issues facing Scotland right now: democracy and poverty - poverty of income, poverty of resources, poverty of infrastructure, and poverty of opportunity."

The local community group also received support from Sarah Beattie-Smith, of the Scottish Greens, who posted: "It’s clear that children in East Ayrshire deserve much better than what they have but we remain to be convinced that this proposal is the right one. And as with North Kelvin Meadow, we stand with those who want to protect the precious greenspace that exists here. We Greens stand alongside the objectors and challenge East Ayrshire Council to look again at whether this is a sensible development"

The group are continuing to seek to discuss the campaign with other key local political figures, and are looking to meet with SNP candidate Jeanne Freeman in the coming weeks.