A new Kirkmichael community group is calling on local residents to stop being strangers and work together.

The Kirkmichael Development Group holds monthly bingo nights and special events such as gala days and BBQs throughout the year.

The group now has the backing of a full committee, has written a constitution and secured its own bank account. It now awaits input from the people of Kirkmichael to find out how best to tailor the group’s efforts to local residents.

Ideas so far have included a Homework Club for Kirkmichael children, a youth club to reduce anti-social behaviour and sporting activities that people of all ages can get involved with.

Stephen Coates, committee chairman, said: “We’re hoping to get the local community in Kirkmichael to contribute ideas. We want them to tell us what they want.

“Kirkmichael for years and years has been pretty hard done by. The people that live here are friendly, good people.

"We’re now getting them all to work together.

“It’s important to get them together, rather than being strangers.”

The group was originally founded after the local football club folded, leaving the facilities of the changing rooms and pitches unused. In a bid to galvanise the community, the Kirkmichael Development Group began meeting every few months to establish the aims and objectives of the group.

“There’s been great feedback so far, “ said Stephen. “At meetings anyone is welcome. Even if you just sit there and nod rather than saying anything, it’s helpful and appreciated.”

As part of developments in the area, Kirkmichael has also become involved recently in the community justice scheme. Offenders on community service have helped spruce up the area by keeping hedges cut for the area’s elderly.

Councillor Aileen Morton said: "It’s great to see local folk from Kirkmichael working together to try to make improvements for the whole community – and they have been incredibly successful so far. The meetings help to focus on what’s really important and it would be good to see even more local residents at them in future."

The group have an August gala day planned which all local residents are welcome to attend.

The next meeting of the Group, which is chaired by Stephen Coates, is on Thursday, February 18 between 7-9pm at the Kirkmichael Centre in Townhead Road.

If residents are unavailable to attend the meeting they can email kcdg2015@gmail.com or check on the group’s Facebook page for more information.