A derelict cottage at the edge of Gallowgate Square could be bought by the council as part of the redevelopment of the area.

Councillor Alan Hill told Largs Community Council that a compulsory purchase order was one possible way of addressing the problem, after last week’s News report on various empty and derelict sites in and around Largs town centre.

Community councillor Ian Murdoch said: “The cottage in Gallowgate Lane is an absolute eyesore. The paper did a piece about four sites, and there are even more, like the Vic (Victoria), which is an absolute disgrace.

“If we are going to be spending money on Gallowgate Square, we need to do something about these areas.” Cllr Hill assured him that the issue was being looked at, with compulsory purchase an option.

Drew Cochrane had asked Cllr Hill about the inclusion of ‘continental style’ al fresco dining in the redesigned square.

Cllr Hill told him that the artist impression of the square was not the final design, which would have to go through the usual planning application process.

He added: “I personally think it is a great plan. We have money in the budget for the Gallowgate Square work, and plan to seek additional money for it from the Scottish Government.

“The masterplan will go before the next area committee for some more in depth discussion and then we will speak to yourselves (the community council) and the BID.

“Beyond that there is nothing in the council’s capital plan to extend it. We will therefore have to examine other sources of funding.

“For example, we may be able to make creative use of the car park fund. We could use the fund to borrow against larger sums.”