THE people of Ayrshire are being asked to comment on how their area will be developed in the next 20 years, writes David Steele.

As part of the first structure plan to be put together since the changes in local government three years ago, the three Ayrshire authorities have published a consultation document which will be sent to local agencies and organisations, and made available to the public.

Once the structure plan is completed in the autumn it will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Scotland for his approval and acceptance as the framework for the future development of the area.

Mr Ian Johnson, structure plan manager, said: ''This is a vision for the future of Ayrshire and is the first of its kind in more than two decades.

''I believe that once all the views are sucked in and a final plan is in place it will provide us with a platform the economic and environmental development of Ayrshire.''

He welcomed the close involvement of the three local councils as well as Enterprise Ayrshire and said that all have worked well together with a common goal in mind.

He added: ''We have tried to take on board many of the views already expressed about such things as land requirements for industry, the levels of new housing land, public transport and the importance people in Ayrshire attach to the protection and enhancement of their environment.

''We have also had to pay serious attention to the Government's new advice on promoting a more sustainable future.

Mr Johnson continued: ''We are very fortunate to have a wonderful environment in Ayrshire but we need to add greater prosperity through sensible development of transport links and areas which will attract a wide range of industry.''