Plug could be pulled on North Ayrshire Christmas lights after funding threat

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The plug could be pulled on North Ayrshire Christmas lights next year if budget plans are ushered in.A proposal to remove £35,000 from the council's finances next year could prove to be a huge blow for many communities in the region.It’s understood that the council installs lights for all switch-ons across North Ayrshire and the proposed removal of this money would mean the council wouldn’t provide installation teams with the cost transferring to each community group that organises displays.

We told you yesterday that lollipop men and women are on the chopping block in North Ayrshire. The council is weighing up getting rid of all school crossing patrollers as consideration is given to significant budget cuts for next year.If the move goes ahead, the local authority would save more than £250,000 over the next two financial years – £128,642 in 2023-24 and £127,703 in 2024-25.The local authority is facing a £14.5 million budget blackhole next year with almost £35m worth of savings to be made over the next three years.

Last week we revealed that education was being targeted as part of budget proposals with classroom cuts being considered that could see staff pushed out the door at North Ayrshire schools.

Top brass are proposing to save £1,054,799 in 2023/24 and £659,249 in 2024/25 as part of a review into “primary and secondary school staffing entitlements” to make a total saving of £1,714,048.The Harbour Arts Centre is also in the firing line with Irvine's only music venue and theatre facing closure.