Largs is looking to the new internet generation to boost tourism by the use of ‘smartphones’ to download information about local shops and facilities under a new masterplan to be unveiled this week.

As we go to press, councillors are set to agree to a public consultation on a possible major revamp of Largs prom and other areas within the town centre at the North Coast Area Committee.

The meeting took place at Largs Library on Thursday at 3pm.

Following a walk about the town last week with local councillors, council officials and representatives from the Community Council and Largs BID, it was agreed to have a public consultation about how best to proceed with improvement works to the town centre and prom area.

Largs councillor Alan Hill said: “We will be seeking to import some design expertise to prepare a plan, perhaps even a 10 year plan, for the public areas of our town.

"A new corporate image for our town centre might be one possible way to go. Ideas put forward so far for the prom include new artwork, and, perhaps, sculpture and other items of interest displaying and telling the history of Largs and surrounding area and of the people who have lived here.” He added: “These works will take place over a number of years but we feel that it would be best to proceed with an agreed plan and to allow local residents and business the opportunity to put forward their own ideas and suggestions and to endeavour to get as much local support as possible.

“We would also want to ensure that the works have the maximum impact on tourism but also the minimum amount of disturbance during the busier parts of the tourist season and, for that reason, they will require to be well co-ordinated.

“We are looking at a major revamp of the town centre with new planting, trees and hanging baskets.

" Funding will come from the Largs car park fund as well as other external sources. I also hope that we will be able to work closely with the BID group as many of the proposed improvements will have a direct and positive impact on local businesses.

“Clearly there will be the need to engage with the Trunk Roads Authority for a lot of the town centre works and meetings will be required with them to pursue this. It is to be hoped that they will be supportive of proposals that are for the benefit of Largs.

“This has been an excellent example of local co-operation, and, in fact it was even mentioned on the way out of the meeting that it was refreshing to have so much unity of purpose locally.” Conservative councillor Tom Marshall said there are a number of plans in the frame to boost tourism, and said: “We need to sort out the pavements which are a mess.

" Another idea is to have permanent banners on the lamp-posts throughout the whole summer, and QR codes at various positions so that people with smartphones can download information about local businesses and facilities. We are also looking at possibly providing corporate colours for Largs.” He added that schoolchildren could be asked in an art competition to providing an appropriate welcoming banner to the town.

Willie Wood, Chair of the Largs Matters BID group said: “I am delighted that the public and private sector will be working together on such important long-term improvements for Largs.” He continued: “It is essential Largs has an all encompassing plan to create a town centre and promenade which will position our town to both national and international audiences.” Cllr. Alex Gallagher said: “It was a really productive walkabout and it was important to receive the support of BID and Largs Communiity Council.

“We had a really good discussion and a lot of possibilites were floated, and we need to support a plan for the general improvement of the town.”