Latest news with #AyrshireLive
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Ayrshire motorists warned of A77 lane closures for two and a half weeks
Ayrshire motorists warned of A77 lane closures for two and a half weeks Lanes will be closed on the A77 between Kilmarnock and Ayr to allow for footpath resurfacing next month. (Image: Google Maps) Motorists in Ayrshire are being warned to expect disruption on the A77 for two and a half weeks next month. Resurfacing work is being carried out on the footpath at Ladykirk, around 2.5 miles north of the Dutchhouse Roundabout between Kilmarnock and Ayr, from Monday, August 11. As a result, nearside lane closures will be in place between the Kilmarnock Road footbridge and Monkton Road for the duration of the works which are scheduled to end on Friday, August 29. The works were originally due to start on Monday, July 28 but trunk road operator Amey confirmed they had been delayed "due to operational issues". Download the Ayrshire Live app today The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you. The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android. A spokesperson for Amey said: "Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential footway renewals on the A77 southbound at Ladykirk, 2.5 miles north of Dutchhouse Roundabout from Monday, August 11 until Friday, August 29. "This work will require a 24 hour nearside lane closure for the duration between Kilmarnock Road footbridge and Monkton Road. "Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works. "Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable. "This scheme will benefit pedestrians using this route each day, by improving the safety and condition of the footways in this area. "Road users are thanked for their patience and understanding while this work is being undertaken." Originally due to take place between Monday, July 28 and Friday, August 8, the works have been delayed and extended to take place over 18 days and not 11 days. Article continues below Amey have not confirmed if lane closures will affect both carriageways or only one. Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Daily Record
Heartbroken dad of Aiden McLuckie pays tribute to "most loyal, loving wee guy"
Aiden McLuckie's dad David described his son as the "most loyal, loving wee guy" following his death on Wednesday, July 16 Teen boy who died in horror crash on Scots bridge pictured as mum left 'broken' An Ayrshire dad has paid a heartfelt tribute to his son after he died in a car crash. Aiden McLuckie, 14, from Hurlford, died on Wednesday, after he was involved in an incident on the A76 near Bargower, between Kilmarnock and Mauchline. Dad David has described Aiden as the "most loyal, loving wee guy" and thanked the people of Hurlford and others after a fundraiser was set up in Aiden's memory. Speaking to Ayrshire Live, David said Aiden was out in Galston playing football with his friends on Wednesday. Aiden had got the bus home and was walking back from the bus stop when the incident happened. David said: "The last thing I said to Aiden, I messaged him to say 'remember to watch that road'. "He was the most loyal, loving wee guy. "We are heartbroken. I don't know how or where we go from here." A fundraiser set up in Aiden's memory has raised more than £4,000 in under 24 hours. Yvonne Devlin started the Gofundme page which has £4,385 for the family. She said: "We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of Aiden following the tragic incident that happened yesterday. "David, Olivia and family have been absolutely devastated by this event and are looking for a wee bit support anything big or small is appreciated, thanks. "Forever 14, RIP wee man." Emergency services were called to the A76 at the bridge over the Cessnock Water near Bargower shortly after 5pm on Wednesday following a crash involving a pedestrian and a Vauxhall Corsa. Following the incident, Sergeant Brian Simpson from Road Policing said: 'Our thoughts remain with Aiden's family at this extremely difficult time, and we are providing them with specialist support as our enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances. 'I would again appeal to anyone with information to come forward. We are keen to speak to anyone who was driving in the area at the time and ask if anyone has dash-cam footage to please contact us.' Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2706 of Wednesday, 16 July, 2025.
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
East Ayrshire Council confirm timescale for demolition after Kilmarnock fire
East Ayrshire Council confirm timescale for demolition after Kilmarnock fire Phase one of the demolition started yesterday and East Ayrshire Council are hopeful that King Street can reopen this weekend. (Image: Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post ) East Ayrshire Council have confirmed the timescales for demolition work in Kilmarnock following the King Street fire. A number of businesses will remain closed until the weekend as work to demolish the most dangerous parts of the building has to take place before utilities companies can move in and restore water, electricity and gas supplies. Two phases of demolition are planned with phase one hoped to be completed by tonight, Friday. The council are hopeful that King Street can reopen after phase one. Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) will move in after phase one to repair any damage to street lighting and the street surface. Phase two is expected to begin on Monday or Tuesday next week, July 21 or 22, and will involve work on the Sandbed Street side of the building. East Ayrshire Council have also confirmed that affected businesses can apply for a £10,000 grant following the fire. Some neighbouring businesses may also be eligible for a grant of £3,000. A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council said: "Recovery work continues apace with demolition taking priority over the coming days. The demolition will be carried out in two phases. "This commenced on Thursday afternoon and whilst the front elevation was straightforward, the side elevation is less so, requiring some aspects to be undertaken by hand. "Indicative timescales suggest that this will be completed by Friday evening. When phase one has been completed, it is hoped that the exclusion zone can be reduced in preparation for reopening the street to the public. "When phase one has been completed, utility companies will be given access to all of the affected properties to reinstate power and water supplies. This will take some time and cannot commence until after the demolition. Download the Ayrshire Live app today The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you. The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android. "Before any reopening, ARA will conduct a full and comprehensive street safety inspection including repairs to lamp posts and road surfaces which have been damaged during the incident. "It is hoped that King Street will reopen soon after the completion of phase one demolition and utility checks of all affected premises. Thereafter it will be up to individual retailers to determine when they can safely resume business. "The farmers market scheduled for Saturday morning can go ahead as planned, with additional traffic management in place. "All affected businesses in the demolished building can apply for £10k grant assistance from East Ayrshire Council. Other affected neighbouring businesses may be eligible for a £3k grant. "Full details will be launched next week, but businesses are encouraged to register interest as soon as possible. "Demolition machinery will move to Sandbed Street late Monday evening or early Tuesday morning under police escort. Timescale for these works are to be confirmed. Article continues below "Police Scotland have confirmed this is no longer a crime scene." Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
More families blast East Ayrshire Council for axing of ASN transport
Despite having used ASN transport for a decade, Pamela Golightly's son is among those to have lost an appeal. Another Ayrshire family has hit out at the cruel council cut which will see their autistic child denied transportation to and from school. Willowbank parent Pamela Golightly says she's been left "concerned" regarding the treatment of her son, Lewis, by East Ayrshire chiefs. Lewis, 15, is non-verbal and has severe learning difficulties. He has no awareness of danger, is unable to walk independently, and requires constant adult supervision and physical support when outside the home. He frequently bolts without warning and must have his hand held at all times to ensure his safety. He is also highly sensitive to loud environments, and when overwhelmed he self-harms by punching his head. Lewis has been using ASN transport for the past 10 years without any issues before council bosses decided to end the service this summer. Pamela told Ayrshire Live: "Due to autism, Lewis experiences significant distress when there are changes to his routine. His school transport has been a consistent and familiar part of his day for over a decade." Pamela, along with other parents, received a refusal letter last month. She was told that because Lewis has a Motability vehicle, he is no longer eligible for council transport. Pamela said: "I strongly disagree with this decision. "The vehicle plays an essential role in enabling Lewis to access everyday life including medical appointments, community outings, and leisure activities that would otherwise be out of reach. "It is used for general care purposes and supports his broader wellbeing, not as a replacement for statutory school transport. "There is no legal rule that states having a Motability vehicle disqualifies a child from receiving council funded school transport. "We feel that the appeal process has not taken into account the individual needs or disabilities of each child. In our case, the decision appears to have been based solely on the fact that we have access to a Motability vehicle. "However, many families who were successful in their appeals also receive the high-rate DLA and have Motability vehicles. This raises concerns that the council may be granting transport assistance selectively, without fully considering the severity of each child's disability or the risks they face in public settings." She added: "Lewis cannot safely walk to school even with assistance. The suggested walking route takes at least 46 minutes, but because he walks on his tiptoes and due to his physical and sensory needs, this would take considerably longer and cause significant distress. "He has no understanding of the route or of the concept of school and would be entirely unable to navigate this journey independently. "Lewis requires specialised support during transitions, and public transport is entirely unsuitable due to his complex needs. He would need to take two buses, including a change at a busy bus station." Pamela and her husband had a carefully arranged routine in place to meet Lewis's complex needs, and the removal of council-provided transport effectively renders that entire system unworkable. Although the family has the vehicle, they are unable to drive it during school travel times as both parents have full-time jobs. Over the past decade, Pamela and her husband have established a routine involving home sitters, after-school clubs, and childcare that enables them to maintain their employment including shift work. Pamela said: "If Lewis's school transport is withdrawn, I will have no choice but to reduce my working hours significantly, if such a change is even possible within my current role. "If not, I will be forced to give up my job entirely, bringing an end to a career I have worked hard to build. "This would not only have serious financial consequences for our family, but it would also affect our wellbeing, stability, and ability to provide. "We have carefully structured our lives to maintain employment while supporting our children, and the removal of transport would make that balance impossible to sustain." Parents and carers who won an appeal are feeling "terrible" for other families. Fraser Jardine, a father of nine-year-old Gracie who received approval for her transport after an appeal, said: "I feel terrible for others and hopefully they get the right decision soon. "There are so many children that simply need transport who have still been refused and it's not good enough." Council bosses claim they are spending £4.4 million on alternative transport costs per year - which equates to £22,800 per school day. They said: "This level of overspend is unsustainable and could jeopardise the provision of this service in the future. "The implementation of the new policy ensures that consistent steps are being taken, on a case by case basis, to ensure the future sustainability of alternative school transport through actions that protect it for children for whom it is absolutely essential."
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Fundraiser launched for cafe hit by Kilmarnock fire
Hasab Mohammed, owner of Sixtyone Café in Kilmarnock, lost his business in the King Street fire but was relieved no one was inside. A cafe owner who put in "decades of tireless effort" to achieve his dream is aiming to rebuild after the devastating King Street fire. Hasab Mohammed, owner of Sixtyone Café which was destroyed in the fire on Monday night, had put his heart and soul into opening the cafe with "the best coffee in Kilmarnock". A family man who moved to Scotland from a small village in Sudan as a result of the Sudanese Civil War over 20 years ago, Hasab achieved his dream when opened up Sixtyone Café six years ago. It had become a popular venue in the town centre and Hasab was proud of the business which became a success because the town "stood with me". Following the fire, a fundraiser has been set up to help rebuild Sixtyone Café which has already raised more than £2,000. Hasab said he "believes in this community" because it has taken him in and helped him establish a well-liked, successful café. Despite the effects of the fire on his business, Hasab said he was "happy" that no one was inside and that he is still able to provide for his family. Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Hasab said: "It was my dream to have my own business. I saved every single penny for my future. "It was our six years of opening the business just recently. At times, I was struggling to get customers in but I built up customers and had a good relationship with them. "We do the best coffee in Kilmarnock I've been told. Everyone left satisfied. I was happy for every single customer that came into my shop." Late on Monday evening, Hasab received a phone call to say the cafe was on fire and he quickly made his way down to the scene to see what was happening. He added: "The fire didn't just take flames to bricks and mortar - it swept through my memories, my present reality, and the dreams I'd worked so hard to build for the future. "Decades of tireless effort, of sacrifice, of saying no to life's smallest luxuries just so I could say yes to one dream: opening my own café. "Sixtyone Café wasn't just a business. It was my story, my struggle, and a symbol of hope. It stood because this city stood with me - every kind word, every loyal customer, every helping hand gave it life. "Now I find myself starting from ashes. And while the fire took much, it didn't take my spirit. "I'm reaching out once more, not for charity—but for solidarity. Even the smallest gesture will help rebuild what was lost. "I believe in this community because you've helped me rise before, and I know together, we can do it again." Emergency services were called to the King Street fire shortly before 9pm on Monday evening. A large cordon was put in place and a number of businesses remain closed today, Wednesday, July 16. Police have appealed for information and are treating the fire as wilful.
