Press Release - 30th January 2007

At the Prestwick North Community Council meeting held on Tuesday the 30th January 2007, the community councillors discussed various issues of interest within their boundaries.

Police Report:

PC Graeme Reid (Community PC) reported that for the period 1st December 2006 to 25th January 2007, there were 151 crime reports raised within the Prestwick area of which 99 were reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
There were 30 ongoing enquiries for vandalism. 1 had been detected so far.
Road traffic cases accounted for 21 including 4 drink drivers.
Assaults cases 6 detected with 8 enquiries ongoing. One of these was an indecent assault on a female member of staff at ASDA by an unknown male on 18th January 2007. It is believed that this male is also wanted for a further 3 indecent assaults in Ayr and Prestwick.
During the festive season, Prestwick was relatively quiet on Friday and Saturday nights due to high visibility patrols along the Main Street.

South Ayrshire Council Report:

Councillor Hugh Hunter reported that the new “No Cold Calling” initiative had been launched in Lichtenfels Gardens. Signs have been erected in the area and stickers given to all residents for their doors. This is a pilot scheme which it is hoped will be introduced in other areas soon.

Councillor Helen Moonie reported that new stickers on dog fouling were now available from the council Dog Warden. The dog bins at the seafront are to be replaced.
Environmental issues – New trees have been planted along Rowanbank Road. Wooden posts, trees and a hedge have been planted around the car park on Outdale Avenue. This is to stop cars from parking on the grassed area.
Concessionary travel for 16 – 18 year olds in full-time education is to be introduced within the area. Also included would be full-time volunteers.

Youth Report:

The Skate Park Working Group held a meeting on the 29th November 2006. Along with Joan O’Donnell, Derek Hart, Catriona Smith and Jim Ronney of the community council, Fr. McSorley (St. Quivox), Rev Christie (Monkton & Prestwick North Parish Church) Rev Watson (Kingcase Church) and Mr Paterson (Head Teacher Prestwick Academy) also attended.

Derek Hart welcomed the above to the meeting and gave an update on the proposed skate park development. So far it has taken some 4 years just to get the proposals sorted. The next phase of setting up a steering group is now needed to move things forward. Along with the current group as above, it was emphasised that local young people needed to get involved. Hoffman & Hamish Hamilton from Prestwick (very keen skateboarders) will ensure their friends get involved in this project.

Rev Christie asked about the suitability of the planned area (on the former go-cart circuit behind Kidzplay). A geological survey had already taken place and the finding were that the foundation was of large rock with a thick covering of sand. Ideal for this venture.

Funding would be sought primarily from the lottery, however suitable sponsors should also be sought. Cadbury Schweppes, Red Bull, Sainsbury’s etc. were but a few  mentioned. It was also suggested that the Chamber of Commerce may contribute to getting the boreholes started.

Another meeting was planned for early February to discuss this further.

History Group Report:

At a recent meeting of the History Group the topic was of Prestwick…………… THE ROYAL BURGH OF PRESTWICK????????? Yes it was!!!!!!

Prestwick has been a burgh since 983AD, far longer than any of its competitors. The oldest recorded in Scotland.

It is stated that on 19th June 1600, James VI affirmed Prestwick’s status as a Royal Burgh, adding that it had been a Burgh for 617 years. So there you have it.

The name Prestwick is derived from the old English Preosta Wik, meaning Priest’s Place.