Various concerns have been raised about the new Wetherspoons development set for Largs seafront.

We revealed last week that the catering giants had lodged an application with North Ayrshire Council concerning a major revamp to Lanes/Escape Amusements but there was a mixed reaction on the Largs News Facebook page in relation to the news.

Hilary Shapiro said: “I don’t understand the logic of shutting down one of the few remaining family friendly sites in Largs and replacing it with yet another pub. Wetherspoons will undoubtedly put a few others out of business as they won’t all be able to compete with their low prices. I don’t see why they can’t apply for the site across the road which would be almost as big in size and has sat empty for years. Leave Lanes alone!” Angela Hughes stated: “I was brought up in Largs and moved to Glasgow when I was 19 to study. When I left the town it was still full of character and it saddens me deeply when I come back to see my family that it has gradually lost it’s charm and appeal with the loss of so many businesses that had that something different to offer. By having a Weatherspoons and any more of these large money making machines it becomes just the same as any shopping street in Glasgow.

“The appeal of Largs had always been that it was a Victorian town where tourists loved to come as it was quant and charming and a great day out ‘doon the watter’. Stop this nonsense bring back Aubery, the amusement arcade as it was and start making Largs a town where the beauty and appeal of it is restored, not destroyed for the sake of profit.

“You do not need a Wetherspoons - I’m sick and tired of reading about this so called progress.” However, in response to concerns raised about the loss of the bowling alley development, Susan Shearer said: “Maybe if more people had used Lanes it would be being bought over.” And Allan Copeland warned: “The planning application for Wetherspoons to change it into one big pub? How to kill off local free house pubs once and for all! A sad day for local business!” Kev Bell welcomed investment into the seafront, and said: “The state of the old waterfront suggests to me that there is not an abundance of businesses willing to invest in Largs.

“I also remember the several years Nardinis sat derelict before it was redeveloped. I say good luck to Wetherspoons and anyone else willing to invest their money where their mouth is. Personally I will continue to vote with my wallet and support those not-quite Victorian but independent pubs and cafes that have always given Largs its character as well as providing good service. You know who you are.” Caroline Le Good Morgan believes it is the wrong kind of establishment for the seafront, and said: “Every time I see a headline with ‘new development or plans’ for Largs my heart sinks I think Largs doesn’t need a Wetherspoons. Why in the world can’t someone come up with a plan for the seafront that doesn’t involve a bar or a pub? What Largs needs on the front is somewhere for families and children to go to on a wet day - open year round and with things for young teens too- laser tag, dance revolution, etc - not another pub.” Bruce William Duthie said that a Wetherspoons had opened in Oban, but ”No local places have closed down but the novelty has worn off and all the tourists use it.” The bowling alley is to be removed as part of the application in order to accommodate the proposed eating and drinking establishment, and the outdoor beer terrace area will be modernised under the proposal.