South Ayrshire Council are delighted to announce that our Environmental Town Centre Programme has been awarded the Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative
At the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Service Awards 2026.
The national award recognises local authorities that deliver exceptional community-led projects and meaningful improvements to local neighbourhoods. The team received the award for the positive impact the Environmental Town Centre Programme has made across South Ayrshire, creating cleaner, more welcoming town centres while supporting individuals facing barriers to employment.
Delivered by Thriving Communities in partnership with Waste Management, participants work alongside the Council's Waste Management team to carry out activities including litter picking, pressure washing, street sweeping, graffiti removal and weeding. Their efforts help improve the appearance of town centres across South Ayrshire, creating environments that people can enjoy and take pride in.
In addition to improving local neighbourhoods, the programme provides valuable employability opportunities. Participants develop practical skills, gain hands-on work experience and build confidence in a supportive environment, helping them progress towards further training, volunteering and employment opportunities.
The combination of enhancing communities while supporting individuals to gain employability skills was a key factor in the programme receiving the Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative award, recognising the positive and lasting impact it continues to make across South Ayrshire.
Councillor Brian Connolly, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “This award is an outstanding achievement which reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the Environmental Town Centre Programme.
“We often talk about the importance of investing in people and places, and this programme does exactly that. It is transforming local environments, creating opportunities for individuals and strengthening communities across South Ayrshire. I would like to thank all those involved for their commitment and congratulate them on this well-deserved award.
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Billy Reid, Town Centre Programme Supervisor for South Ayrshire Council said: “We are thrilled to see the Town Centre Programme receive this national recognition. Every day, participants are making a visible difference in Ayr, Maybole and Girvan while gaining valuable experience, learning new skills and growing in confidence. Seeing the positive impact on both our communities and the participants involved is what makes the programme so rewarding.”
Jamie Cook, Town Centre Programme Supervisor for South Ayrshire Council added: “This award is a reflection of the hard work and commitment shown by everyone involved. We'd like to thank our colleagues in Waste Management and Thriving Communities, and especially the participants taking part in the programme, whose dedication and efforts continue to make it such a success.