Improvement works have been carried out in the centre of Cumnock, to give the town a fresh look.

Work includes replacing smashed glass at the bus station, improved lighting and replacing old bins.

Mindless vandals targetted Cumnock's bus station back in July by smashing a number of panes of glass at the refurbished station.

Around 12 panes of glass had been smashed and battered to the point that they will have to be replaced.

Cumnock Chronicle: Panels of glass smashed. (Image: Michael Mcpake)Panels of glass smashed. (Image: Michael Mcpake) (Image: NQ Archive)

It wasn't the first time that the bus station's glass has been the target of vandalism, with a similar incident in September 2021.

The bus station was only reopened two-and-a-half years ago, after a major refurbishment.

Dedicated CCTV linked directly to East Ayrshire Council's Risk Management Centre was installed at the station, in the hope of deterring any vandalism.

Other improvement work in the area included replacing litter bins close to Cumnock bus station, which had been described as "dangerous".

Councillor Neill Watts had been approached with complaints about the bins, and they were moved to be replaced as a matter of urgency.

Cumnock Chronicle: The old bins were replacedThe old bins were replaced (Image: NQ Archive)

Further to this, new lighting has also been installed on Bank Lane, and on the Pawn Steps leading from the bus station to the Square.

Cllr Watts had again received complaints from local residents and Cumnock Community Council, about the unused and broken municipal lights on Bank Lane, behind the Cumnock Bus Station and over the Pawn Steps to the Square.

Cumnock Chronicle: New lights fitted in Cumnock (Image: Cllr Neill Watts)New lights fitted in Cumnock (Image: Cllr Neill Watts) (Image: Cllr Neill Watts)

Cllr Watts said: "I can report that after I raised the issue with Ayrshire Roads Alliance six weeks ago, and following an investigation by the lighting department, they fitted three brand new lighting units, replacing the old ones completely.

"The area behind Cumnock Bus Station and up to the Baird Institute (Bank Lane) and the Pawn Steps are now well and truly lit, which will increase safety at night for everyone using the area including the Bus Station.

"A massive thank you to Ayrshire Roads Alliance for putting these three brand new units in place and brightening the area after years of darkness."