A consultation over the controversial decommissioning site at Hunterston construction yard has been cancelled. Another consultation by owners Peel Ports had been due to take place this afternoon, as a petition against the overall decommissioning plans tops 1,400 signatures within just four days - almost three quarters of the neighbouring Fairlie population. However, the 'News' has been informed on Thursday morning that the event has been cancelled. A spokeswoman for Peel Ports said: "The Marine Licensing Consultation event scheduled to take place at the Seamill Hydro today has been cancelled by the hotel due to concerns about public order. "While we are disappointed that this event will not go ahead today as planned, we do understand the hotel’s position. "Peel Ports appreciates the concerns of the local community and remains committed to continuing with the consultation process, with a view to developing Hunterston PARC to deliver economic growth and benefit to the local area, North Ayrshire and the wider Scottish community. "The event will be rescheduled and further information will be shared in due course." The News recently reported that the company behind the new decommissioning facility to dismantle drilling rigs and ships are hopeful of opening later this year. However, there has been uproar on social media sites over the possible 'environmental impact' of the project. But others say the area needs the jobs, and MSP Kenneth Gibson insists there is nothing to be concerned about.

Members of a local residents group, some of whom are Fairlie Commuinity Council members, have been leafleting doors about the decommissioning this week.

Resident Ron Gilchrist said: "The full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be done at this stage before the government spends further capital on the site as it will have a substantial negative impact on our extraordinary landscape, environment and on the welfare of the community because of the light, sound, liquid and gaseous pollution that this will cause from the activity 24/7."

The company behind the project - CessCon Decom Ltd - say it will be one of the continent's 'premier decommissioning facilities', and will 'provide solutions for the removal of offshore assets and infrastructure in a safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective"' way. MSP Mr Gibson said: "I met Peel on 1 June at Hunterston and Patricia Gibson MP and I will do so again this Friday. "As yet I have not heard any proposals that would terrify anyone. Much of what is being suggested at this stage is speculative. It is also ambitious. If even some of the proposals come to fruition it will mean a multi-million investment and hundreds of new, highly skilled and well remunerated jobs. North Ayrshire Council, Patricia, Scottish Ministers and I are all keen to see that happen." North Ayrshire Council have placed a condition on the developer that a risk assessment including potential impacts of construction on marine mammals, and details of preventative measures to avoid long term impacts on marine mammals and pollution of the foreshore is carried out. The site won grant funding from the Scottish Government and was one one of seven projects across Scotland to have been offered a share of £1.1 million from the first awards from the Decommissioning Challenge Fund. A spokesperson for Peel Ports said, “Coal is no longer a primary source of energy for UK PLC. Peel Ports have taken a proactive decision to regenerate the Marine Yard and the former Coal Terminal, now called Hunterston Port and Resource Centre (Hunterston PARC). Peel Ports is exploring a range of diverse opportunities and remains committed to utilising its unique advantages as a deep-water port to deliver economic growth and benefit to the local area, North Ayrshire and the wider Scottish community. “Peel Ports appreciates the concerns of the local community with regards to the environment. All potential environmental effects will have to be fully assessed and mitigated in collaboration with Marine Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, who are the custodians of the natural environment. In addition, noise, air and water pollution are heavily regulated to ensure that standards are maintained and Peel Ports will adhere to the appropriate statutory environmental requirements.”