A BUSINESSMAN who brought a popular family seafront ride to Largs could potentially be ordered to remove it - after a single complaint triggered a planning probe. 
Quilly Clark has been told he has to lodge a planning application for his flying elephant ride after a member of the public objected to its 'encroachment' on the promenade.
The 50ft x 20ft ride, which is popular with families, provides an aerial view of the coastline and opened on Largs seafront last summer.
It was brought over from the Czech Republic and is the only one of its kind in Scotland.
It has been described as a 'magnet for holiday-makers - but Largs Community Council have voted to object to the extension.
Owner Quilly told the News: "One person objected to the ride being on the prom, but it is only around four feet six inches.
"It is a small bit of the prom but not a great deal and it is not doing any harm whatsoever.
"There used to be fish boxes on the prom - and it is no more than that.
"As a result of somebody objecting, I have applied for an extension for it.
"Since we brought it over from the Czech Republic last year, we have had many positive comments from young people, mums and dads, and we even have a 70-year-old woman who has come down twice from Glasgow to have a shot on it, and she loves it.
"The idea is that it is a family ride, and it puts a smile on people's faces.
"It takes people 20 feet high up in the air, and it means that they can see up and down the coastline on a clear day."
Largs independent councillor Ian Murdoch hopes that officials will see sense and give Mr Clark permission.
He said: "Mr Clark bought the new machine which extends over the plinth.
"He has invested a lot of his own money on the project.
"When it was delivered, it was a few feet bigger than thought, so he has a slight strip to rest on it, but it is not making any structural changes to the prom at all."
Drew Cochrane, columnist for the Largs and Millport Weekly News, hailed the attraction at last Thursday's community council meeting.
He said: "The flying elephants look wonderful - this is a godsend to Largs. You have old dears sitting eating their chips while listening to Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra, while children enjoy a fantastic funfair ride - it is a magnet for holidaymakers."
But community councillor Anne Carson questioned whether such an attraction was a good thing for Largs seafront, and after a vote the community council decided to oppose the extension.
North Ayrshire Council planning department will have the final say.