Cumbrae Yacht Club have raised concerns with North Ayrshire Council concerning the storm ravaged state of an important jetty access point.

Andrew Brown, a web administrator and a member at the club, was responding to a recent article in the Largs and Millport Weekly News concerning £100,000 investment in new moorings on the bay to drive the economy and attract more vessels to the island, and spend money in Millport.

Mr Brown said: “I am referring to the damage caused by recent storms to the Leck Jetty (Crocodile Jetty) in Millport bay.

“With the boating season fast approaching we thought it was necessary to bring this matter to the council’s attention. The damage this year is worse than ever before as multiple areas of the jetty are completely destroyed and it is currently unsafe for public usage.

“Furthermore, as this is only a few yards from the iconic ‘Crocodile Rock’, frequented by many children, this is a potentially serious safety hazard to the general public as well as the local and visiting marine traffic.

Mr Brown added: “I also understand, from recent local press coverage, money has been allocated to provide additional visitor moorings for Millport. Considering this positive development to support the island economy, it is critical for the limited landing stages in the bay to be in a good state of repair and in a safe and usable condition to welcome people ashore.” Cumbraes Yacht Club is soon to have its 2014 AGM, and they have asked NAC for a response in relation to repair, renovation or upgrading of the jetty.

Speaking to the ‘News’, Andrew’s father, Hamish Brown, who is treasurer at the club, said: “When the season starts, it will be a problem. The jetty is unusable in its current situation.

" We have seen damage before, and it has been repaired before, but it as bad as I have seen it in 40 years. If the bay is going to benefit from the additional moorings, then it will need to be upgraded, as there are major problems with the landing stages as it stands at present. We hope that it can be fixed to accommodate the summer traffic.”