POTHOLES were one of the main topics on the agenda at the monthly meeting of East Ayrshire Council.

There was a lengthy discussion on the issue at council HQ.

Several councillors told of how their constituents were growing impatient with how long it is taking to get them filled and making their feelings known.

Stewart Turner, head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) was being grilled after delivering his annual report and service plan for 2018/19.

He told councillors and various officials that, after the council had earmarked £6m to try and deal with the worst potholes, there was work going on at several locations.

There had been a very bad winter prompting council leader Douglas Reid to write to finance secretary Derek Mackay about the problem.

Mr Turner added: “We have external contractors working with in-house teams with seven work squads dedicated to taking pro-active action on the roads.”

Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor Billy Crawford said: “The roads are hellish just now. Is this because of years of using the cheapest tenders in the past?

“It was a bad winter, yes, but we have had bad winters before. I would like to know if the number of claims is up”

In reply, Mr Turner said that last winter was the worst since 1996 in terms of the amount of salt and grit that had been used on the roads.

“Contractors have to meet our quality threshold and have to use proven materials. We do not go for second best,” he said.

Head of legal services, David Mitchell, added that quality and cost in terms of materials and methodology are assessed, the starting point is never the cheapest.

In addition, an increase in claims being lodged did not mean that it was costing the council more cash due to the criteria that has to be met legally.

Deputy chief executive, Chris McAleavy, promised to let communities know in advance when work is being done.

He said: “We have to do this, not only on the website, but on social media because that is where most people see things.

“There are squads out every day in East Ayrshire and we will have to give regular updates, possibly through an East Ayrshire Performs website.

Projects

New Cumnock Flood Protection Project — ARA are aiming to progress and complete the work being carried out at the Leggate and beside the Afton Water by March 2019.

The Leggate stage of the work started on April 30 with completion expected by August 31.

A70 Glenbuck Road Improvement Project — Funding from East Ayrshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has been confirmed. Decision on tenders will be made later this month with work due to start in July to complete realignment of the road.

Flood Risk Management Plans — Continue with work on studies for Dalrymple, Catrine and Dalmellington through the financial year.

Electric Vehicles

Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor Jim McMahon asked Mr Turner if there were plans to install more electric vehicle charging points.

He said there was only one between Dumfries and Kilmarnock and that Cumnock needed one.

Mr Turner agreed, saying: “Yes, we need more as there are going to be more electric vehicles on the road.

“There is the potential to increase the utilisation of electric cars and vans to comply with emission standards and the Scottish Government decision to ensure that all cars and vans are not powered through fossil fuel means by 2032.

“This will result in the reduction in harmful emissions, and an improvement to air quality.”

Budget

In his annual report, Mr Turner writes: “The Ayrshire Roads Alliance will achieve savings of £8.634m by 2024.

The alliance has completed the fleet review which will result in £1,350,699 of revenue savings by 2024. In accordance with good management practice the Alliance will continue to review fleet and plant provision.”

Mr McMahon asked if this was going to happen by hiring more plant, machinery and vehicles?.

Mr Turner confirmed that savings would be achieved by hiring equipment as and when needed as opposed to having the likes of a snow plough sitting doing nothing for months.

In addition, ARA will be redesigning and transforming service delivery: improving the quality and efficiency of services by getting the most out of their assets and developing the workforce.

A76 Corridor Partnership

Several councillors are unconvinced that there are any advantages to being part of the group, which was set up in 2004 in collaboration with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Jim Roberts said: “Exactly what are we getting from the A76 Corridor Partnership? Responses we are getting from government and other organisations is diabolical.

“Is it time to make our own representation? It is one of the most frustrating committees I sit on.

“We are going to have to see something tangible out of it.

“When you get such a strength of feeling it shows there is something wrong.”

Councillors Billy Crawford, who said there hadn’t been a meeting since 2017, and Neil McGhee, adding that it was mainly in the Dumfries area, agreed with Mr Roberts.

Chief executive, Fiona Lees, said that she was concerned about the strength of feeling.

But she said but it was worth being part of the partnership as it was not only the roads but rail and public transport matters it is involved with.