The Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil MSP, whose brief includes regeneration, visited Irvine Bay recently to see for himself the work being carried out to regenerate the area.

In particular, has visited Kilwinning to inspect work underway to breathe new life into the town centre, and met with local people who are undergoing fully paid training as part of the regeneration work.

Mr Neil heard a summary of the ongoing work from Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay.

This included an outline of projects underway in the five towns of Kilwinning, Irvine, Ardrossan, Saltcoats, and Stevenston.

But the major part of his visit was a trip to Kilwinning to see the £2.75m regeneration of the Main Street. This work is designed to deliver improvements to the retail, commercial and pedestrian streetscape, to improve access and to increase safety through enhanced lighting.

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Alex Neil MSP meeting local trainees working as part of Kilwinning Main Street construction teamDuring the visit he met with the trainees who are benefiting from the targeted recruitment and training built in to the contract by the regeneration company. In total, 12 trainees will receive 312 weeks of training. This will allow them to gain vocational qualifications in civil engineering services.

Mr Wiggins said: "The work we are doing has to be rounded in its approach. While we obviously have a focus on enhancing and renewing the physical and built environment of the area to increase the prosperity of the area, we also believe it is vital to ensure local people benefit whenever possible – either through a better environment, through business opportunities, or through the ability to improve their skills and employability."

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "Irvine Bay Regeneration Company is to be congratulated for spearheading the transformation of five towns in North Ayrshire, which will boost the local economy and make these areas more attractive and prosperous."

(GK/BMcc)