North Ayrshire Council has made significant progress in its first year of a five-year plan to enhance community services.

Cabinet members were informed last month about the milestones achieved by the local authority since the plan's approval last year.

The plan, which acts as a "contract" between the council and its communities, was drawn up after consulting residents. It sets out how the council will work with partners, including communities, to improve services over the coming years.

The four main priorities of the plan are Wellbeing; Communities and Local Democracy; Climate Change; and A Sustainable Council.

Among the highlights of the report are:

The establishment of a Financial Inclusion Partnership to increase access to financial advice and support for residents.

36,366 trees planted as part of the 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy.

£560,509 in financial gains delivered to parents through the School Welfare Rights Officer.

Provision of a £50 clothing grant to all eligible three and four-year-olds in Early Years during the 2024/25 school year.

378 empty homes brought back into use during 2023/24, and 384 new homes nearing completion.

£130,000 funding awarded to four community renewable projects.

Construction underway on the council’s two solar PV farm developments at Shewalton and Nethermains.

68 per cent of the council’s 33 Local Government Benchmarking Framework priority indicators have improved in the past year.

Craig Hatton, chief executive of North Ayrshire Council, said: "The Council Plan is our commitment to our residents. It sets out what we want to achieve in partnership with our communities and how we will go about doing that.

"Although this is a five-year plan, it’s very pleasing to see strong progress that has been achieved in its first year."

The council plan and progress reports are available to view on their website.