Plans revealed for 'The Space' advice centre in Largs

The newly formed Largs Development Trust was successful in its bid for funding to the North Ayrshire Council Locality Partnership earlier this month.

This means that the Trust will be launching a new advice centre called 'The Space' combined with access to a Credit Union within shop premises in Boyd Street later this year.

Councillor Alan Hill said: “I am absolutely delighted that we were successful in this application and would like to pay particular tribute to the work done in taking this project forward by Heather Meldrum and Alex Rhind. The Locality Partnership was also unanimous in supporting our bid.

"We hope now to be able to sign off on the lease of the building and to carry out some internal redecoration, install signage and with a fair wind we hope to have The Space open in November.

"One of our first aims will be to assist local people in completing social security forms and ensuring that they are claiming all the benefits to which they are entitled. This is particularly important given the removal of the winter fuel allowance.

"Evidence shows that there are a large number of individuals out there who would be entitled to claim pension credit, for example, and consequently be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment but who have not made a claim or are unaware of their eligibility.

"We will be working with North Ayrshire's Advice Services and the Citizens Advice Bureau and developing a programme of activity around these areas.

"We will also be distributing leaflets and information to local people outlining eligibility etc.”

Healther Meldrum and Alan Hill (Image: Newsquest)

Heather Meldrum continued: “I have a history of involvement with Credit Unions and am delighted that we have been able to agree with Scotwest Credit Union a proposal for them to operate out of The Space for an initial day or two per week.

"This will allow local people access to community owned financial services and savings accounts.

"Although the Credit Union is community owned, all of the usual financial services protections exist and we hope that many local people will use it.

"As well as offering savings, the Credit Union is also able to assist people with small and medium sized loans as well as detailed financial advice and other services.

"We also have longer term ambitions to perhaps work with some of the local schools in order to improve the knowledge of our young people in terms of savings and the running and managing of their financial affairs.”

The Space is set to open in November in Boyd Street in Largs (Image: Largs Development Trust)

Councillor Hill added: “One of the things which we are very keen to move forward with will be the provision of financial and debt advice and with this in mind we are appealing for local people to come forward and volunteer their services.

"Anyone with experience in this field would be especially welcome however there is a place here for everyone who wants to volunteer and appropriate training will be offered.

"Anyone interested can contact the Development Trust by emailing info@largscdt.org.uk or alternatively, they can contact myself or Heather directly.

Heather added: “We are planning a full launch of the Development Trust in late October of this year. Local people will be invited to take out membership and join the organisation.

"We will also be carrying out full community consultation in order to find out what other projects and services local people think we could be developing in the future.

"For example trust member Wendy Low Thompson is, as people will be aware, actively involved in developing growing spaces around the town.

"She has been instrumental in getting the original Mackerston Fountain working again and is developing other plans including working with the council and local businesses to revamp of the flower beds and containers throughout Main Street for 2025.

"We aim for the trust to be a vehicle to take forward a number of potential projects and have various ideas under discussion but are always open to new suggestions."