DOUGLAS Campbell has announced he will step down as leader of South Ayrshire Council.

The SNP Councillor for Ayr North took the decision last week after serving three years in the role.

Mr Campbell said he was sad to leave his position as leader and praised “significant progress” made during his tenure.

In a statement, he said: “It is with sadness that I announce my decision to step down as leader of South Ayrshire Council, a role which it has been my great privilege to fulfil over the last three years.

“My focus as council leader has always been to make a difference to the lives of the people of South Ayrshire and in particular to help those who need us most.

Mr Campbell reflected on his time as leader, focusing on the opening of state-of-the art new schools and Early Year Centres

He also highlighted improvements in leisure and sporting provision and improvement in external inspections of council services, particularly social work.

Mr Campbell also praised the council’s response to handling the COVID-19 pandemic by helping the most vulnerable.

He added: “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their support and hard work over the last three years.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far and look forward to working with my successor.”

  *********************

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Ayr Advertiser, and the vital local news service we've provided since 1803, is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Ayr Advertiser in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks – and stay safe.