The town's best features related to community spirit

When residents of Newmilns and Greenholm were asked what they like most about their town, the answer was clear: each other.
In the survey behind the Newmilns & Greenholm Community Action Plan 2022–2027, 59% of responses about the town's best features related to community spirit, activities and facilities. One resident summed it up in five words: the people are the best asset.
Others praised a friendly, colourful town, and the way local groups such as the Newmilns Regeneration Association, the Gala Committee and the Bowling Club are now working together. The Food Festival and other events drew warm comments, with one resident describing a great festival weekend for the whole community.
The town's setting came second. Some 36% of positive responses related to its appearance and local environment. Residents spoke of the countryside being right on their doorstep, the views across the valley and plenty of litter bins and flower beds – a nod to the volunteers who look after them.
The local economy, heritage and tourism accounted for 21% of what people liked. Residents valued having lots of character buildings and still having a library, optician and pharmacy in the town. One said Newmilns had huge potential, with a rich cultural and property heritage.
Local amenities, location and transport links made up 20%. Many people value the balance Newmilns offers: a pretty spot in a lovely valley, close enough to Kilmarnock, the hospital, the coast, Glasgow and East Kilbride, without being too busy or crowded.
That sense of place is backed up by the plan's own profile of the town. Newmilns and Greenholm sits in the narrowest part of the Irvine Valley, around seven miles from Kilmarnock, between Galston to the west and Darvel to the east. The surrounding farms keep sheep, beef and dairy cattle, and some local farmers grow tomatoes and potatoes for local businesses.
The town's community life is reflected in the many groups featured in the plan, from the Guides, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts to the Ladies Social, the Rotary Club of Loudoun, the Newmilns & Galston Brass Band, the Bowling Club, the town's churches, its parent councils and its two tenants and residents associations.
The plan's challenge is to build on these strengths. If the people really are the town's best asset, the next five years will depend on how many of them get involved.