A new Millport campaign has been set up to save the island’s historic wooden pier.
Already nearly 3000 people have signed up to an online petition at change.org (www.change.org/p/save-millport-pier) to save the structure after fears were expressed recently that the long term plan is to demolish the pier.
Millport’s Alistair Chisholm B.E.M recently said: “Our council’s forward planning includes the demolition of our wooden pier. 
"Already maintenance has been stopped for the last three years with the inevitable weakening of the structure. 
"Without paying attention to the views of Millportonians and regular visitors the wooden pier could be removed. 
"Apparently the money has been earmarked already. 
“Millport’s wooden old pier is an essential asset for our town. 
"Not only does it allow access for suitable boats and ships at all tides, but it is the only breakwater protecting the sea wall in Stuart St. 
"Until and if the Flood Prevention Scheme is complete, it behoves North Ayrshire Council to repair and maintain our wooden pier - at the very least.”
The facebook campaign page states: “In 2014, North Ayrshire Council took the decision to demolish the wooden part of Millport Pier. 
"The pier had been neglected for several years prior to this decision being made and since that date it has fallen even into a worse state of repair.
“A stay of execution was put in place when NAC were advised by some local people that the pier forms critical flood defence for the town and until other measures are put in place it is vital that it should be maintained or otherwise the town is at risk.
“In the recent consultation on Millport Coastal Flood Prevention there was overwhelming support for the retention of Millport Pier and the construction of offshore breakwaters.”
“There are quite a number of local people who depend on the pier for their livelihood. 
"Several small fishing boats use the pier and pleasure craft and boats to maintain the moorings for resident and visiting pleasure craft.
“Once our pier is gone we will never have the opportunity to have another rebuilt. 
"Why should Millport lose out?”

Conservative Councillor Tom Marshall said: "The SNP Cabinet of North Ayrshire Council decided in February 2014 to demolish Millport Pier.
I opposed this to no avail.

Consequently, maintenance work has been stopped on the wooden structure for the last three years, and the pier has continued to deteriorate.
"We believe that demolition is short-sighted and will cause significant damage to the marine tourism industry in Millport and the wider North Ayrshire economy."


Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “I have had numerous islanders contact me regarding this situation. Obviously, this is a matter for NAC. 
"Nevertheless, I have looked at potential sources of funding that could be accessed to help save this iconic structure. Cumbrae Community Development Company or - in some instances - NAC could apply to some of the following sources to help save Millport Pier.
"Please note that I cannot guarantee that they will be successful with any applications.
“The local authority may be able to apply for National Lottery Funding. The Heritage Lottery Fund may be of particularly interest, and Historic Environment Scotland may be able to assist with the renovation and they have a number of different funds that can be explored.
“I have, of course, written to NAC asking them to reconsider and highlighting potential funding sources.”
Labour councillor Alex Gallagher said: “There is no current plan to demolish Millport Pier. There was a cabinet paper in 2014 that recommended the demolition of the pier under the previous SNP administration. 
“Any decision on the future of the pier is contingent on the final design of the flood protection of the Millport Pier. We are awaiting for the outcome of that before we make a final decision on pier. We have made it as safe as we can but what happens next depends on the flood scheme.
“It is unfortunate fact that the current pier structure is not viable in the long run and is at risk from storms in even normal winter weather we are subject to in Scotland.”