The Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council, Elma Murray, has been asked to look into the proposed demolition of the Douglas Park shelter in a new twist to the ongoing saga.
The Douglas Park shelter and toilets, which have been the target of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, is set to be demolished by the end of September.
However, a Largs and Fairlie growers group were left ‘shocked’ at the move, as they have already been involved in a protracted community asset transfer which involved taking over this particular area of Douglas Park, including the shelter, to provide an environmental development.
A public consultation was held at Douglas Park last year, and the group had offered to take over the area of land encompassing the Burns Garden area, and shelter, with the purpose of growing edible flowers. 
Morrisons Construction, involved in the new Largs Campus, offered free manpower and some materials to help renovate the shelter and pathway, as part of a community payback, and McMillan and Cronin architects provided free consultations and offered ideas. 
The growers group have pointed out that a Community Asset Transfer was in process, supported by NAC.

The group also successfully raised £2331 from WesternLink.
They stated: “It is not just ourselves that are affected by the decision, it is all the ‘Friends of Douglas Park’ which includes the Tennis Club and the Bowling Club, as well as the public who need a public toilet facility.”
A spokeswoman for the group said: “The goodwill was there from everyone involved towards a community asset transfer. Regarding the shelter, we were looking at possibly knocking it right through the centre and removing the benches so as to provide access to the Burns Garden. The shelter is a classic building with a lot of history, and instead, local residents could get involved with our project and help make the area a wonderful asset, rather than just wasteland.”
Largs Community Council opposed the development last month. Chairman Douglas Blair said: “I think if this information about the community asset transfer had been given to us a month back, I know of at least three other community councillors who would have voted differently. The ball is now in NAC’s court and it is for them to decide the best way forward.”
Councillor Tom Marshall has backed the demolition, and said: “The information we had was that there was no reason why the shelter should not be demolished. However, it has been an ongoing problem for many years; neither Police Scotland nor North Ayrshire Council have taken any steps to remove the problem of anti social behaviour that was impacting the residents in Bankhouse Avenue.”