SIGNS are looking positive in Stevenston after the town's community council welcomed a near £30,000 funding boost.

The money was secured by the voluntary organisation after an application to North Ayrshire Council's community investment fund (CIF) was unanimously approved at a recent cabinet meeting.

The funding boost - of £29,988 - will further support the group’s ambitions to enhance Stevenston as an active travel destination and to better-promote the valuable green spaces and nature reserves close by.

Since 2017, the community council has worked alongside the Three Towns Locality Partnership, North Ayrshire Council and its network of community partners to enhance the town via a host of projects.

Don Campbell, community council secretary, explained: “We are interested in both the cultural and natural heritage Stevenston holds, and with locations like Ardeer Quarry and Stevenston Beach Nature Reserve nearby. We are passionate about putting our town firmly on the tourism map.

“On behalf of the committee, I would like to share my sincere thanks to the Three Towns Locality Partnership for helping us to develop our proposal and secure the funding from the community investment fund.

"We want to help residents to take pride in their area once again and realise that Stevenston is special, our town is just as good as any other.”

(Image: NAC)

Much of the group's work is already underway with attractive black iron signage recently installed outside Stevenston Library and a new road sign has been erected near the train station - directing visitors to Ardeer Quarry and the town's beach.

New informative lecterns packed with engaging facts and graphics are now also taking pride of place over at Ardeer Quarry and next to the sand dunes at Stevenston Beach Nature Reserve.

Don added: “Communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we are pleased to have had the backing of officers across Streetscene, Roads, Heritage, and the Community Development team who have supported us with their invaluable advice in making this important project a reality. Thank you to everyone we have worked alongside.”

(Image: NAC)

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities and islands, also hailed the group for showcasing what is possible with the help of funding grants.

He commented: “Well done to the Stevenston Community Council on the progress being made in their ambitious signage regeneration project.

“Thank you to the Three Towns Locality Partnership for supporting the proposal and using their expertise to help this vital community organisation secure almost £30k funding from our community investment fund.

“The project is a brilliant example of a valuable community group, harnessing the power of CIF to support the Three Towns locality priorities of promoting the locality as a tourism destination, stimulating the local economy, regenerating community facilities, improving wellbeing, and increasing civic pride and community engagement.

“Remember, if you are a local community group or organisation, you can benefit from a host of potential funding opportunities too. Speak to your locality officer to find out more.”

More information on the funding available can also be found online at north-ayrshire.gov.uk/your-community/community-funding.