COMMUNITIES will have a major say on how £1.7million funding will be spent in Cumnock and Doon Valley.

The cash is East Ayrshire’s share of a £50m Scottish Government fund aimed at boosting town centre regeneration.

Council t eams ar e already working with groups and individuals through schemes such as community led action plans and place-makingmap consultations.

Catrine and Ochiltree both held a series of these events which enabled residents to make their wishes known with regard to future developments.

A similar exercise, The Mauchline Conservation Area Appraisal , is currently active until next month.

Community led action plans have also been established throughout the area in Cumnock, Muirkirk, Dalmellington, New Cumnock and many more places.

Douglas Reid, council leader, welcomed the news of the funding which hasbeen set up in conjunction with COSLA, the local authorities’ group.

He said:“We’re delighted to receive this boost to the work we’re already doing on town centre regeneration throughout East Ayshire.

“Our teams are already having discussions on community led regeneration with a number of groups. Plans to use this money will be incorporated in an update paper on community led regeneration which will be presented to Cabinet for approval in May 2019.”

Councillor Jim Roberts, who represents Ballochmyle, forecasts a ‘a brighter future for our communities’.

He said : “Moving forward, the emphasis is all about strengthening our work with communities and recognising that sustainable use for our high streets should come from a concerted effort between public, private and voluntary sectors.

“While this money is proportionately small compared to the demands of the task in hand, it is never the less a very welcome boost and will enable us to drive the changes we need to make.”