Waterside Street Surgery

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Looking forward to being in Waterside this coming Thursday (11th January 2024) knocking on doors with my staff. 

It will be my first Street Surgery of 2024 and one I am relishing as over the past year it has been great to get this back up and running.

Constituents in Fenwick Road, Main Road, McKnight Avenue, and Mill Wynd will have received a letter notifying them that I will be there if they wish to speak to me about an issue.

However, if you will not be in or do not reside in the areas listed above but have an issue you would like to discuss don't hesitate to get in touch with me:

alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk / 01563 501412 or drop into my office at 31A Titchfield Street in Kilmarnock (KA1 1QW).

Christmas Message 2023

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As we approach the festive season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the year we've had together. It's been a year of both ups and downs, and many of us have faced the challenges that life has thrown our way. I commend the resilience and strength that our community has shown throughout these times.

I am aware that a lot of people in our constituency have been feeling the brunt of the cost of living, and for some, the holiday season can be an additional burden. This time of year, it is crucial for us to come together as a community and extend a helping hand to those who may be struggling.

In the spirit of giving, I want to emphasise the importance of supporting local charities and food banks, especially during this festive season. If you find yourself in a position to do so, please consider donating to your local food bank. I am pleased to inform you that there are now regular collections at Rugby Park, making it even more convenient for you to contribute.

Let us remember that there are individuals who once generously gave but now find themselves in need. I encourage everyone to make an extra effort, if possible, as every small contribution can make a significant difference in someone's life.

As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year, I wish each and every one of you a joyous and prosperous festive season. For those fortunate enough to have time off over the holidays, I hope you enjoy plenty of days out and quality time spent with family and friends.

In the midst of our celebrations, let us also keep in mind those who are working tirelessly throughout this period, just as they do all year round. Our emergency services, as well as those in the retail and hospitality sectors, deserve our gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice. May we remember and appreciate their efforts as we celebrate the joy of the season.

Before I conclude, I would like to extend congratulations to Murphy Laird of St Sophia's Primary in Galston for winning this year’s Christmas Card Competition. Murphy secured the top spot with the hilarious and delightful card titled 'Chilling With My Snowmies.' The clever caption not only brought a smile to my face but also captured the festive spirit.

I must also commend all the pupils from St Sophia's, Galston, and Gargieston primaries who participated in the competition. The quality and creativity displayed in each entry were truly impressive, making the decision to select just one winner a challenging but rewarding endeavour.

Thank you for sharing your talents and spreading the joy of the season. May your creativity continue to shine bright in the coming year.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Newmilns Street Surgery

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Looking forward to being in Newmilns this coming Wednesday (20th December) as part of my Street Surgery engagement.

My staff and I will be chapping doors in; Burn Road, Cochrane Place, Greenhead, Greenside, Ladeside, Mill Court, Mill Crescent, Mill Road, Persian Sands, Union Street and Weavers Place.

 It is vital to get out and about and talk to constituents on their doorsteps about matters that are important to them.

However, if you will not be in or do not reside in the areas listed above but have an issue you would like to discuss don't hesitate to get in touch with me:

alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk / 01563 501412 or drop into my office at 31A Titchfield Street in Kilmarnock (KA1 1QW).

Darvel Street Surgery

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Looking forward to being in Darvel this coming Friday (8th December) as part of my Street Surgery engagement. My staff and I will be chapping doors in; Glen Crescent, Hutchinson Drive and Paterson Terrace between 1.00 and 4.00 pm.  It is vital to get out and about and talk to constituents on their doorsteps about matters that are important to them. However, if you will not be in or do not reside in the areas listed above but have an issue you would like to discuss please contact me: alan.brown.mp@parliament.uk / 01563 501412 or drop into my office at 31A Titchfield Street in Kilmarnock (KA1 1QW).

Press Release: SafeWalk

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ALAN BROWN MP SUPPORTS 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

In support of the UN Women worldwide campaign to end gender-based violence Alan Brown MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun attended a Parliamentary reception to show support for this important cause.

The event, organised in collaboration with SafeWalk, aligned with this year’s theme to ‘invest to prevent violence against women and girls’. 

The 16 Days of Activism campaign encourages citizens to show their commitment to ending violence against women and girls by sharing the actions they are taking to create a world free from such violence. 

SafeWalk are a groundbreaking new initiative from SafeKab, dedicated to ensuring the safety of women when travelling. Representatives from SafeWalk were present at the event, to give insight into how their app works, and how it can help constituents across Kilmarnock and Loudoun.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

"I was pleased to show my support for this incredibly vital campaign. 

“I regularly hear from women across my constituency about their concerns and experiences when travelling, and I know how much of an impact it can have on their daily lives. 

“Women should be able to travel safely; however, that still isn’t the case for so many, and that’s why initiatives such as the 16 days of activism and apps like SafeWalk are so important to moving this cause forward.

“It is crucial to recognise that our efforts at the local level contribute to a larger, worldwide campaign against violence targeting women.

“It is high time for us to stand against this pervasive issue, and strive to create a world where women can travel without fear, ensuring safety, dignity, and equality for all." 

Gavin Johnston from SafeWalk added:

“Our first priority with anything we do is safety. That’s our number one goal.

“The idea for Safewalk came from exactly that. We wanted to make sure everyone feels safe when making a journey.

“Over the years, you see things you don’t want to and that no one should have to experience. We hope to eradicate that as far as possible.

“It’s a real concern for women, and that’s why we want to address these issues, and hopefully give women confidence when travelling”.

Press Release: Barony Campus (East Ayrshire School

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Last Week (Friday 17th November 2023) Alan Brown MP visited the Barony Campus in Cumnock.

The MP was shown around the super school by Food Services Manager Chris Walker and Senior Catering Manager Kim Sloan, before serving up some fish and chips for the P1 class.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun was invited to see first-hand how East Ayrshire’s Council Catering Department operate and hear about the local authority’s fantastic half-price school meal initiative.

Since August 2023 the Council has been supporting a half-price school meal option for all paying pupils within Primary 6 and 7 and all academy pupils. This means all paying children receive a healthy meal at lunchtime for £1.08.

East Ayrshire Council Catering Department serve over 1,100 freshly prepared meals to pupils and young learners daily at the Campus. All meals are served with a selection of fresh vegetables or salad options and use a host of local suppliers for the ingredients - including Corrie Mains eggs, Fergusons bakery, Peroni fish Merchants, Spittal Fruit and Vegetables, Mossgiel Farm and Campbells Brothers Prime meat.

Mr Brown was also briefed on Mossgiel Farm supplying fresh milk to all school kitchens which are distributed into milk machines for pupils to help themselves. This has resulted in reduced the use of single-use plastic bottles by 100% an estimated 15 million single-use cartons not being used.

Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

“The local authority deserves so much credit for the food that is on offer for every pupil at every school in East Ayrshire.

“The accessibility of a high-quality, freshly prepared meal for paying pupils at a mere £1.08 is truly commendable, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis.

The commitment to ensuring no child goes home hungry is not only laudable but also imperative.

“It was great to hear the Council’s use of several local suppliers for their production, and everything is made fresh in-house. The employment factor was also interesting, given the fact that East Ayrshire currently has five modern apprentices working in school kitchens across the area.

“I was glad to lend a hand and dish up some lunches for the kids before being treated to my own fish and chips which was delicious.

“I would like to thank Chris and Kim for generously taking time out of their busy schedules to provide me with a comprehensive tour and discuss their operational strategies. The exceptional rapport they share with the staff truly personifies the cohesiveness of an outstanding team and the exceptional working environment they have in place there."

Also commenting, Food Services Manager Chris Walker said:

“It was a pleasure as the Food Services Manager within East Ayrshire Council to invite along Alan Brown to our Barony Campus to view first-hand the school meals service.

“Alan saw first-hand the healthy and nutritious meals that are served to over 1000 pupils each day in our Early Childhood Centre, Primary and Secondary Schools within the Campus.

“Alan showed a great interest in the preparation and delivery of the school meals service on the day of his visit even helping out with the service at the counters serving Primary school pupils their healthy lunch on the day along with a fresh cup of Mossgiel milk.”