Councillors warned over speculating about cause of town fire

About 45 firefighters battled the fire in Kilmarnock at its peak

East Ayrshire councillors have been warned about discussing the possible cause of a fire that wrecked shops in Kilmarnock.

Politicians began debating the active criminal case after the incident the town's King Street in July. A 12-year-old was charged over the incident.

Chief Governance Officer David Mitchell interjected to urge caution as the remarks might prejudice the case.

Cllr Sally Cogley, one of those who had mentioned the matter, responded that her comments were an "overview" of the blaze.

Cllr Cogley, who represents the Rubbish Party, had raised the issue of 'contributory factors' to the fire before Mr Mitchell intervened.

She then said: "Suffice to say there was clearly an alignment of factors and I think we owe it to our constituents to do some sort of investigation into what those contributory factors were ensure that nothing like that happens again.

Cllr Graham Boyd continued along the same lines and said the "root causes" of the fire needed to be looked at.

He also said events like the King Street fire - were not surprising, "given what we see in the town centre".

Mr Mitchell replied: "There's a debate to be had about the connection between litter and bins and fires getting started. It's not for here."

'I would urge caution to all members'

Mr Mitchell answered: "Let's not find out the hard way and let's not find out through the standards commission.

"Members want to raise things, and we're happy to support that and do it in appropriate means through the appropriate channels and to bring forward reports at the request of council as and when required.

"But we have had a serious incident. There are live criminal proceedings and I say again, I would urge caution to all members without getting into wider issues."

Cllr Boyd insisted he wasn't going to talk about bins, but policing.

Mr Mitchell then replied that the council's own approach to antisocial behaviour by anybody, was is currently under full review.

He added: "I don't think it helps for this council to sit and have a speculative conversation about what may or may not have happened in the background."

Story by Local Democracy reporter Kevin Dyson.