15.2 Timeline

15.2 Timeline

2012

In early 2012 Putting Plus started emailing key people with information about its plans. Graeme Johnstone suggested a number of appropriate contacts.

 These included Margaret Toner, Hugh Hunter, Debby Broughton-Hay, Archie Monkhouse (who endorsed our application to SAC), and Jim Ronney who responded  ... Community Council meeting on the 28th Feb and I will ensure this is on our agenda. Many discussions were held with Stewart Clarkston and his staff at the Parkstone. Towards the end of 2012 the Parkstone was approached to help fund the putters. 

Delay

The plan was to open in Spring 2013 but this was not possible owing to SAC having issues over the lease. To manage expectations during this hiatus we adopted a low profile. 

In August 2013 the lease had to be advertised twice in Ayrshire Post. There was one submission, which we now understand was the Stevens. 

Work Started

In September 2013 Putting Plus had sufficient funding and the lease, and work started on ground preparation. 

In October work commenced on the fence. All was well, until Stewart Clarkston, from the Parkstone telephoned on Friday 18 October to explain his concerns.

This was followed by Ayrshire Press article reporting a furious backlash (similarly quoting Joyce Stephen (Steven?)) at the Community Council meeting on Tuesday 29 October.

 Next there was a facebook page ….  for residents of Prestwick who disapprove of the development … which it is understood was instigated by the Stevens.   

Following the Community Council meeting Dr Hunter met up with the Chair. He then visited Stewart at the Parkstone. There was an amicable meeting, and it was suggested that Stewart might come up with an alternative design which met Putting Plus needs and a source for the necessary finance. Dr Hunter also met up with the Stevens.

John Hunter

Putting Plus (2013) Community Interest Company

Company Number: SC440528