Cumnock bus station has been described as looking “like a warzone” amidst a stream of vandalism which has been left unrepaired.
Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) are considering replacing the smashed glass panels on the bus station with toughened polycarbonate after vandals caused £200,000 worth of damage over four years.
Cumnock and New Cumnock councillor Neill Watts is pushing for a meeting to “formulate a sustainable way forward” and described the current situation as “ beginning to look like a warzone”.
Cllr Watts has spoken out on the issue previously and hopes a solution can be found to tackle the anti-social behaviour as well as the repairs.
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham said figures released following a Freedom of Information request from Ayrshire Live highlighted that the situation was “completely unacceptable” but that the “small minority” responsible did not “reflect the people of Cumnock”.
Ms Whitham has spoken on the issue before saying the the constant vandalism was “deeply disappointing”.
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Elaine Stewart was “appalled” by the “relentless” attacks on the bus station and said they were “totally unacceptable”.
Cumnock bus station was refurbished at a cost of £800,000 in 2020 but has remained a constant target for vandals in the area ever since.
In total, 77 glass panes have been smashed alongside damage to the seating which has rendered constantly repairing the bus station as unviable.
CCTV has been installed at the bus station in an attempt to deter vandals and it is understood that ARA is in the process of installing a PA system to add to the deterrent.
Commenting, SNP MSP MS Whitham said: “The figures revealing the extent of the vandalism at Cumnock Bus Station is completely unacceptable and I know that a small minority of troublemakers does not reflect the people of Cumnock who take exceptional pride in our community.
“I have complete faith in the ARA to find a cost-effective solution to this problem as we cannot have public funds being wasted. I also trust the police are doing everything they can to tackle this abhorrent anti-social behaviour. I will continue to engage with both.
“At the heart of this issue are young people who need our support. That is why I praise the many organisations in Cumnock and surrounding areas who do exceptional diversionary work to provide a safe space for our youth to have fun and direct their talents and passions to a better use.”
Labour MP Ms Stewart added: “I am appalled by the relentless vandalism at Cumnock bus station.
“This kind of anti-social behaviour adds unnecessary expense on the public purse and is totally unacceptable.
“The residents of Cumnock and beyond deserve a safe and secure bus station that serves their needs so I hope a long-term, workable solution is found soon.”
Cllr Watts, Conservative councillor for Cumnock and New Cumnock, said: “The situation at Cumnock bus station is absolutely awful. It is beginning to look like a warzone.
“I am continually pressing for a meeting with Ayrshire Roads Alliance, all four ward councillors, the police, deputy chief executive of East Ayrshire Council and council officers so that we can come together and formulate a sustainable way forward.
“That is the key. We need to be sustainable. We can’t be coming back in six months time and going through the same process.
“There are various options that are being discussed which is another reason why I have pushed for a meeting between all of us so that, on a political side, we have a cross-party consensus.”
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