Council leader Dougie Reid said maintaining clean streets and public places remained “a key priority” and confirmed councillors will consider proposals to improve services. While parties differed on how environmental services should improve, there was broad agreement across the political spectrum on one central point: volunteers should enhance council services, not replace them. (Image: Mauchline Community Association)Despite criticism of current standards, none of the political groups suggested volunteers should replace council services. However, he added: “We don’t believe volunteers should be seen as a replacement for council services.” East Ayrshire Council also said it accepted responsibility for maintaining clean streets and public spaces through its greener communities, cleaner communities and Ayrshire Roads Alliance teams.