Largs Main Street will be closed from 7am till 7pm this Sunday as the town centre braces itself for heavy disruption.
It is the start of a £570k project to resurface the carriageway of the A78 at Largs. Scotland TranServ will carry out investigative works this weekend, to pave the way for the reconstruction of the Main Street carriageway in October.
A special meeting, involving roads officials, elected councillors and community councillors, took place at Largs Library on Monday.
Efforts to avert the closure were rejected by transport authorities, despite fears that roadworks during a busy holiday Sunday could be chaotic.
The all important diversion details are as follows: Southbound traffic will travel via Bath Street, Mackerston Place, Charles Street.  Northbound traffic will travel via John Street, Broomfield Place, Mackerston Place and Bath Street.
Three sections of the A78 around Largs will be resurfaced and engineers must complete a number of investigatory excavations to assess the current condition of the road foundation.
Scotland TranServ’s operating representative, Andy Fraser said the 'full road closure was essential to complete the investigations as quickly and as safely as possible', when traffic flows are lighter to help minimise disruption to road users and the local community.'

Ian Murdoch of the Largs Community Council roads sub-committee said: “Various issues were raised at the meeting including does it have to happen this Sunday, or could it be done overnight, so there is a reduced effect on town and traffic flow.

“The end result is that the test bores that are proposed have to happen this Sunday.
“We have put forward various ideas to limit the effect on both residents and visitors alike - including having more man power physically managing and directing the traffic.
“Members of traffic management company will make sure the traffic flows at the ferry queue, and there will be parking restrictions in Bath Street.
“While Largs CC and locally elected councillors are entirely unhappy that the road has to be closed at a peak time in the holiday season, if this is the only time the work that can be done, then we have attempted to make the best out of a difficult situation.”

Cllr. Tom Marshall said: “I am disappointed they couldn’t reschedule. They should have consulted with locals more widely - it is right in the middle of holiday season and will have an impact on businesse

Cllr. Alan Hill said: "I thank Ian Murdoch for pulling together the meeting, and we have managed to get a reasonable compromise in difficult circumstances."

John Hamilton, Largs BID Manager, said: “Explore Largs is unhappy with the lack of planning and consultation. We continue to seek greater co-operation between all involved at what is the most important time of the year for businesses."

Millport warning 

Motorists are being strongly advised to keep their vehicles off Bath Street on Sunday.
Cumbrae people who leave cars and vans in the Largs street, near the pier, from Friday night to Saturday morning, would be obstructing the vital road diversion, and could cause jams.