Irvine was handed the title of most improved place in Scotland last week.
The Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum (SURF) panel praised the Irvine Vision, a drive by North Ayrshire Council, in partnership with the local community, to deliver a strategic approach to the town’s economic and physical development.
The award recognises the radical, ongoing regeneration taking place in the town and the spin-off benefits it aims to bring to local residents.
And the Irvine Herald readers had their say on Irvine scooping the award.
Some welcomed the accolade, while others questioned the new title.
Alan Woodison said: “Every town needs investment. They have all suffered as retail moves online and council income streams have failed to keep pace with inflation.
“I enjoy visiting Irvine because the harbour is attractive and I can walk for miles with my dog at the Beach park. It’s the only town with the three biggest supermarkets within walking distance.
“The shopping mall is a bit manic but at least shoppers can stay dry and the elderly and disabled don’t have to cope with traffic and unlevel pavements.
“I also like being able to park free, down the harbour, behind the shops, in the mall, in the many retail parks.
“Yes, Irvine has its faults and its good points. But, in my view, the place and the people take some beating.”
Alan Caldwell said: “An improved town with no public toilets and a shiny new swimming pool that’s in the wrong place and never open.
“Awards for folk that like to slap their own backs. A joke that’s not funny.”
Brian Mathieson said: “There’s plenty for kids and families. My kids are at different clubs almost every night, most of them run by volunteers.
“The Portal seems like a decent venue from what I can see. It’s not the best town award, it’s the most improved.
“Instead of running the place down, actually look about your local communities and you’ll see a lot of good people doing good things.”
Anne Thornhill said: “We just moved to Irvine Harbourside from Saltcoats this year and we feel so fortunate to have shops, train, beach and pubs and restaurant right on the doorstep.
“The community spirit and the events put on in the few months we’ve been here have been brilliant.”
Alasdair Houston said: “My main issue is the state of Bridgegate and the rest of the town, investment is needed to create more local jobs, bring new and better quality shops, clean up the Riverside and harbour, make the beach park a family oriented place, things that will attract people to the town.”
Moira Broom added: “I don’t think the people of Irvine would agree with that statement.
“The town is a disgrace, no real places for families of kids to spend quality time, apart from a swimming pool that is more often closed than open. They must be hard up for choices if Irvine won the award.”
