A community drop-in event to allow residents an opportunity to get more information on the future of Douglas Park, including the shelter which is set for demolition, is due to take place later this month.

We reported last week that Largs and Fairlie growers are currently at an advanced stage of the community asset transfer, but concerns have been raised about whether the shelter is to play a part in the future of the transfer or not.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “Fairlie Growers have made a request for a Community Asset Transfer for part of Douglas Park.

“However, having looked at the condition of the shelter and potential costs of repair, Fairlie Growers did not wish to include the shelter in the asset transfer. They were accordingly content that it should be demolished.

“Once demolished, the group would look to include the land on which the shelter stood in their asset transfer request.

“As previously stated, we are proposing the demolition of the building to remove the risk of further deterioration and assist in combatting the issue of anti-social behaviour.

“As the shelter is a Common Good asset, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure its demolition, while adhering to the legal requirements.

“We are currently preparing a report on the proposal, which will be considered by our Cabinet in the near future

“In the meantime, we are arranging a community drop-in event to allow local residents an opportunity to get up-to-date information on both the shelter and the Fairlie Growers' vision for the park. This event will take place mid-September.”

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch said: "I very reluctantly agreed to the demolition of Douglas Park shelter, providing it was within the rules to do so. My understanding is that the organic growers, as far as I am aware, don't want the shelter to be part of asset transfer, and if that is the case, my decision stands. When I made my original decision to agree to the demolition, I was not made aware of an asset transfer request."