RESIDENTS are pushing to bring back the steeple that was lost from The Freeman’s Hall in Prestwick.

The Freeman’s Hall lost its landmark steeple some six years ago due to structural issues and South Ayrshire Council decided that the cost of replacing it is too high in the current restricted financial circumstances.

There is considerable resentment about this situation but in practical terms, the resolution of this matter is likely to rest with the community.

Speaking to the Ayr Advertiser, Prestwick resident, Alasdair Malcolm, said: “This has been a bug bare of mine and other people in Prestwick since the council took the steeple down.

“My understanding was that two years prior to it being taken down, a survey was taken to identify some reports and then it was found to be ‘unsafe’ and took it down.

“The building itself is a Common Good asset which means it belongs to the people of Prestwick. The council really should apply to the court to have the changes made and to prove that it is in the interest of Prestwick. I don’t think the council have done this at all or even tried. There was a poll and more than 90 percent wanted the steeple to be put back.”

Mr Malcolm highlighted that there has been a lot of damage to the building, causing water to run down the front of the building, which he claims has started to “deteriorate”.

He continued: “The building is not there to be neglected – it is an iconic part of the town. Many of us have approached and spoken to councillors but no action has been taken. It has become a symbol that it is there but it doesn’t really matter.”

Cllr Hugh Hunter, commented: “The steeple has been a bone of contention with some people for some years now, since the council took it down for safety reasons.

"I spent quite a bit of time working with Prestwick North Community Council Chairman, Jim Ronney, to try and get it replaced and we were able to get plans drawn up to the stage of being in a position to submit them to the council’s planning department.

"Unfortunately, we were unable to attract Heritage Lottery or, indeed, any other charitable funding. I would like to see the money, if we had it, spent on something like the Kelpies - something artistic which could help bring people into the town.”