People power has forced controversial proposals to close six libraries, introduce parking charges in the town centre and axe the Eglinton County Park ranger service to be taken OFF the table at next week’s North Ayrshire Council Budget meeting.
The shock plans were floated as part of a budget engagement process which attracted 4,461 submissions from community groups across Ayrshire.
Petitions were presented by representatives from libraries, Eglinton Park and people opposing town centre parking in Kilwinning.
It was argued the libraries were a vital local hub and much-needed in the community, while volunteers could not operate in the park without rangers.
The parking campaigners said charges could signal the death knell of retail in Kilwinning.
The feedback received during the engagement – which ran during October and November last year – was presented to Elected Members at a Full Council meeting last week.
The SNP administration and Labour both put forward budget proposals aimed at saving libraries, stopping town centre parking and keeping the park ranger service.
The submissions received included substantial discussions with community groups across North Ayrshire.
Cuts of £2.5 million will remain in the budget to be voted on by councillors.
They include re-aligning the level of teaching resource, which would save £1,174m and a review of KA Leisure services (£305,000) along with School Crossing Patrols (£92,000).
The Gross Budget Gap, excluding Health and Social Care Partnership and Council Tax for 2025-26 is £15.763m, in 2026-27 it is £9.371m and in 2027-28 £10.111m.
The projected budget gaps after the planned use of reserves of £3.500m in 2026-27 and £1,788m in 2027-28 are £3.579m and £7.385m respectively.