Galston trust moves forward

Dec 23 2011 by Colin Rutherford, Kilmarnock Standard

A KEY group which has been set up to promote the regeneration of Galston will take its first major steps next month.

The new Galston Community Development Trust will meet on Tuesday, January 24, to approve its constitution.

The meeting will also see the organisation registering as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Institution.

A steering group comprising community representatives from the Irvine Valley town was set up in September.

It has already drawn up a constitution, a code of conduct and a outline activities plan, which will now be formally approved by the new trust.

The group is planning a series of events to find out what kind of regeneration projects local residents and traders want to see.

The results will provide the basis for a master plan of future projects, which will have the potential to attract funding from bodies such as the National Lottery and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Councillor Robert McDill, East Ayrshire Council’s spokesman for delivering community regeneration, said this week: “It has been great to see this trust coming together with the support and hard work of local people.

“From the very first consultation meeting we’ve been heartened by the interest people have in the heritage and future of Galston.

“Those who join the trust will have a unique opportunity to have an input into the way Galston develops.”

Anyone who is interested in joining the new regeneration group should contact Sylvia Allen, on 01563 578168 or Colin McKee on 01563 576759.