MAJOR changes could be coming to parking arrangements in Cumnock and Doon Valley.

It comes after the latest council budget decided off-street parking charges would be increased from 80p to £1 per hour from April 8.

Now a wider consultation on parking arrangements is being undertaken as part of the Transformation Strategy.

There are a number of proposals for communities to consider, including introducing off street car parking charges on Saturdays, extending the parking enforcement period to 8am to 6pm.

This would create new on street parking spaces in Kilmarnock and a free residents parking scheme, that would lead to the introduction of charging for non-residents.

Proposals also include the introduction of parking charges in Kilmarnock , Galston, Mauchline and Stewarton and the creation of an East Ayrshire wide community led regeneration fund, linked to income that could potentially be generated from these proposals.

Gathering feedback from people who live, work or visit East Ayrshire is essential and will help Elected Members to decide which, if any of these proposals, are implemented.

Drop in events will be held throughout April at Mauchline Centre Stane, Cumnock Town Hall, Stewarton Area Centre, The Portland, Galston and Kilmarnock Base King Street.

If you can’t make any of the drop in events you can fill out a five minute online survey which will be open until Friday, May 10.

Engagement with the business community is already well underway with further events planned to ensure that their views and ideas are reflected in the final plans.

More information is available on East Ayrshire Councils website.