Mauchline hanging baskets cash plea 'should be refused'

But there’s set to be better news for the organisers of Cumnock’s annual fireworks display as councillors get set to meet to decide on a host of grant applications this week.

Officials from the local authority have recommended awarding £1,500 towards the cost of the annual Cumnock fireworks, which is held in Murray Park and is organised by the Cumnock and District Round Table.

Officials also say £1,550 should be awarded to the Auchinleck Self Help Group to help with the cost of hall lets, a Christmas dinner, outings and craft supplies, with the group pledging £50 from its own funds.

However, a report to East Ayrshire Council’s grants committee recommends that an application for £500 from Mauchline Community Council to support the cost of hanging baskets to brighten up public areas in the town should be refused.

On the Mauchline application, the report states: “The hanging baskets is a project that the Mauchline Community Council have successfully undertaken in previous years for the benefit of the local community; however, in this case the baskets were paid for prior to receipt of the application, and therefore the application is retrospective and is recommended for refusal on that basis.”

The same report lists a number of grant applications which have already been approved by EAC officials under ‘delegated powers’ legislation, with those in the Cumnock, New Cumnock, Ballochmyle and Doon Valley areas as follows:

Cronberry Community Council - £300 towards the cost of buying weedkiller and petrol for weekly clean-ups in the area

Dalmellington Amateur Gardening Association - £485 towards the cost of Dalmellington’s annual flower show

Ochiltree SWI - £569.10 towards the cost of its annual rent and AGM/supper.

Mauchline Strawberry Tea - £250 towards the cost of a women’s wellbeing and skills development day in Mauchline Church Hall

The committee meets on Wednesday, September 6.