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MUIRKIRK NEWS ISSUE NO 46 MARCH 2022

PRINTED ON BEHALF OF MUIRKIRK COMMUNITY COUNCIL ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/MUIRKIRKCOMMUNITYCOUNCIL

Muirkirk News March 2022

Hi All, I hope this month’s edition finds you all safe and well and looking forward to spring. The days are getting longer, and migrant birds are returning which is a positive sign. The mural at the Empire Bar is on track to be complete by the 1st April when the scaffold will be removed and the site cleared. The opening ceremony will take place at 12 noon and all are welcome to attend. You may or my not be aware of a Project called the Hagshaw Energy Cluster which is a group of wind farm developers in collaboration with Nature Scot, Architecture and Design Scotland, East Ayrshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council who are all working together to pilot new place based approach to renewable energy development. Focused on the cluster of wind farms near Hagshaw Hill which are located between the communities of Coalburn, Douglas and Muirkirk, they are working with the two planning authorities and agencies to prepare a Development Framework for the cluster. They are looking at ideas to get much more connectivity between the villages affected by these development. For example one of the proposals is to extend the trail from the River Ayr Way at Glenbuck to link with the Clyde Walkway. Part of the above cluster is Hare Craig wind farm which is due to come on stream around 2025/6. This will bring community benefit to Muirkirk of £180,000 per year for a minimum of thirty years. It is index linked so will increase with inflation. This is in addition to the £34,000 per annum that we are currently getting from Galawhistle wind farm so as you will note this will be a substantial sum coming to Muirkirk on an annual basis. To that end although it may seem a long time away but it will come quicker than 2

Muirkirk News March 2022

you think. So we need to start now thinking about the projects that will enhance the village, and its environs as in some cases planning permission, and building warrants may be required. My view is that the priority ought to be given to the Themes in the Muirkirk Action Plan as these were identified by the residents in the extensive survey and consultation carried out. The Plan is due to be updated when further consultation will take place so other priorities may be identified of which we will need to take cognisance. I have prepared a list of headings taken from the Action Plan as a basis for discussion, and it would be great if we were to get some feedback to enable us to start thinking of what is important to you as a Muirkirk resident: - The route through the village is in need of attention. We have a number of derelict sites and buildings that are in a poor state and need to be improved. - Develop the local infrastructure to support tourism - Increase employment opportunities - Improve and increase transport links - Increase the facilities and activities for young people - Increase community events and social activities - Develop the Victory park for the benefit of the community - Develop environmental initiatives The list is in no special order and there are a number of other headings that could be considered, but the idea is to promote discussion. David McLatchie On behalf of Muirkirk News and Muirkirk Community Council

Muirkirk News March 2022

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Muirkirk News March 2022

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Muirkirk News March 2022

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Muirkirk News March 2022

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Muirkirk News March 2022

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