More than 700 people have helped set the course for Newmilns and Greenholm until 2027.
The Newmilns & Greenholm Community Action Plan 2022–2027 is built on 729 survey returns from residents, businesses and visitors. Surveys and online voting were open to anyone with a stake in the town, and the results were used to rank what matters most and what needs fixing first.
The plan was drawn up by a steering group of representatives from local groups and residents, supported by Maggie Henderson of East Ayrshire Council's Vibrant Communities team. The process follows the Community Futures model designed by the STAR Development Group, used across East Ayrshire for community-led action plans.
It was not an easy plan to produce. The COVID-19 pandemic moved the steering group's meetings online and limited the chance to hand surveys out door to door, which would usually have gathered more opinions. Despite that, the response was strong enough to give a clear picture of the town's priorities.
This is the second plan for the town. It follows the first Community Action Plan launched in 2014, which led directly to the creation of the Newmilns Regeneration Association to drive its priorities forward.
The new plan is organised around five themes:
• community spirit, activities and facilities
• appearance and the local environment
• the local economy, heritage and tourism
• local amenities, location and transport links
• housing and anti-social behaviour
For each theme, the plan lists the priorities residents identified, practical ways they could be tackled, and the organisations that could help. Partners named across the themes include East Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Leisure Trust, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, Enterprise Ayrshire, Irvine Valley Police, the Community Council, the tenants and residents associations, local businesses and church and youth groups.
The plan is frank that it cannot be delivered by any one organisation. Responsibility, it says, is shared between many groups and businesses, the council, the ward's elected members, MPs and MSPs – but most importantly the residents of Newmilns and Greenholm themselves.
The steering group thanked everyone who has worked to improve the town since 2014, whether directly or by supporting its people, groups and events, and everyone who took the time to fill in a survey.
Residents who want to find out more, or get involved, can contact the Newmilns Regeneration Association at hello@lovenewmilns.org or visit lovenewmilns.org.