Massive "Yes" Vote For Community Right-to-Buy

[trevox]

The residents in South Kintyre (PA28 6 postcode area) have voted a massive "Yes" for the opportunity to buy Machrihanish Airbase for £1. On 25 May 2010, the results of the ballot were announced. Of the 5945 electors eligible to vote, 4007 did so, giving a remarkable 67% turnout:

* "YES" votes: 3903 (97.4%)
* "NO" votes: 96 (2.4%)
* Spoiled ballots: 8 (0.2%)
* Proxy votes: 0

Now the hard work begins, with the development of a Business Plan to convince the authorities that it can work.

[Tom B]

The residents in South Kintyre (PA28 6 postcode area) have voted a massive "Yes" for the opportunity to buy Machrihanish Airbase for £1. On 25 May 2010, the results of the ballot were announced. Of the 5945 electors eligible to vote, 4007 did so, giving a remarkable 67% turnout:

* "YES" votes: 3903 (97.4%)
* "NO" votes: 96 (2.4%)
* Spoiled ballots: 8 (0.2%)
* Proxy votes: 0

Now the hard work begins, with the development of a Business Plan to convince the authorities that it can work.

Many congratulations to the team. Exciting times ahead.

[Nancie]

Well done to all concerned.

[Kintyre Forum News]

Yes, congratulations to all those who put in so much work and effort. Now you can concentrate on the next stage.

[jdcarra]

Well done .

[kintyre56]

Wonderful news! This is a unique opportunity for a community to own a large asset that has the potential to transform the local area, and provide more jobs and facilities for the community. Surely after such huge turnout and such a massively positive vote by the community it is time for the Council and HIE to get right behind the buy-out group and provide help and support for them to achieve the community's aspirations.

[John S]

Well done everyone for the 1000's volunteer of hours that went into the ballot and to all who put a cross in the yes box. As I understand it ministerial approval of the proposals is the next step; the detail of the proposals provided will be examined and consideration given to whether, under community ownership, these are in the public interest. Lets hope the answer is yes.

[MacMel]

What is the point in investing in Machrihanish if it is due to be financially destroyed by the blight of the windfarm?

Does anyone realise the impact this will have on the whole region?

These turbines are not off-shore in any accepted sense of the word.

[Mr.Everready]

He says the people involved are "hard working people with only the good of the community in mind."

[zeus]

I voted yes but I never once realised my vote would see the base being used to house Polish workers maybe that should have been made public before the vote as it certainly would have made me change my vote .....

[WC1]

I voted yes but I never once realised my vote would see the base being used to house Polish workers maybe that should have been made public before the vote as it certainly would have made me change my vote .....

The community doesn't yet own the base, so what is happening there now has nothing whatever to do with the possible future community 'buy-out'. In fact, community ownership might actually address your concerns. In any case, are these workers actually being housed there? I see hordes of them waiting for transport in Longrow most nights.

[zeus]

Yes they are being housed there just ask anybody working at the base or any of the skykon workers ..
The community buy- out group must now come clean and say whether this will continue if and when they take over .

[minsyb]

The Polish men who are employed at Skykon are housed at the base and in various properties around the town! According to a Skykon employee there are approximately 50 Polish workers. Thats 50 jobs that could have went to local people.

[maxmix]

The Polish men who are employed at Skykon are housed at the base and in various properties around the town! According to a Skykon employee there are approximately 50 Polish workers. Thats 50 jobs that could have went to local people.

Nothing against them personally, no doubt they are very good workers.... But what did you expect ?

This has happened before within the local community and will continue to happen.... Look what happened to a lot of local fishermen

maxmix

PS Maybe the interviewers out at Skycon are Polish etc

[shipyard blues]

I cant wait to see the business plan