A new traffic light crossing at the south side of Largs has been delayed due to a major gas main being in the way.

Two years ago, a campaign led by Largs mum Tiffany Irvin, and MSP Kenneth Gibson, had led to Transport Scotland agreeing to install a pedestrian crossing on Irvine Road, on the A78, near Douglas Park and Anderson Park, near May Street.

However, the lights have been delayed ever since as transport authorities attempt to work around the problem.

In 2014, Tiffany had been working with Douglas Park Nursery, Douglas Park Bowling Club, Largs Tennis Club, local parents and older people to garner support and secured 500 signatures and detailed the necessity of securing a safe pedestrian crossing

However, Road Safety Manager George Henry said: "Transport Scotland remains committed to installing a pedestrian crossing on Irvine Road in Largs. The installation is proving to be problematic as there is a major gas main that runs down the A78 which would interfere with the ducting required for the crossing. To build the crossing we would either have to relocate the gas main or carry out major construction including significant road closures.

"For this reason, we have asked our operating company Scotland TranServ to seek an alternative solution by using a very shallow connection between the signal heads. I will write to you again once they have completed their investigation to establish what solution is required to deliver the crossing.

"I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that it remains our intention to construct the crossing this financial year should an engineering solution be identified."

Kenneth Gibson MSP said: "After local residents fought so hard for such a crossing it is disappointing to be confronted by such a major obstacle. However, I would hope that using a shallow connection will be possible, in order that this much awaited crossing can be installed as soon as possible."

The petition stated:“The A78 is very busy, traffic moves quickly and there is currently no safe place for pedestrians to cross. There are several groups and clubs in the area which find it difficult to cross the road, such as Douglas Park Bowling Club and Largs Tennis Club.

"There is also Douglas Park nursery with 3-5 year olds struggling to cross the road without having to walk 0.38 miles to the nearest pedestrian crossing.

“A lot of the pedestrians trying to cross the road are young children from the nursery and tennis club and elderly trying to access the bowling club. There are also two parks, one on either side of the main road, and these cannot be accessed by the public as there is no safe crossing point nearby."