A ROW has erupted between two local councillors over the shock decision not to allow the Waverley to call at Millport Pier.

As revealed by the ‘News’ North Ayrshire Council officials decreed that the historic pier is dangerous for large vessels such as the Waverley which calls twice a week in the summer.

NAC Cabinet have rubber-stamped a survey of the masonry section of the pier, but according to Conservative councillor Tom Marshall, this is not good enough.

He said: “The current problem can be laid at the door of the SNP administration who have not been proactive enough in ensuring that this magnificent heritage asset of Millport is kept in working order - this is because North Ayrshire Council have not done much in the way of recent repairs.

“This is a most regrettable decision particularly at the commencement of this summer’s sailing season for the Waverley.

“I am also surprised that local members did not receive advance information of this impending decision.” Mr Marshall added:“It will, I am sure, be met with real concern by many locals who view the pier as their heritage.” “I was not in favour of the previous report whose recommendation was of demolition of the pier in favour of a breakwater “I do acknowledge the difficulties in raising funds for the necessary works but note that the same Cabinet agenda records the grant of £1.2m to Brodick Pier.” However SNP Councillor Alan Hill disagreed robustly with the Conservative councillor’s comments.

He said: “It is hugely disappointing, but I am absolutely astounded at the comments from Cllr Marshall. He supported the SNP budget which included funds allocated against Millport pier. He also supported our efforts to secure the future of the island’s Marine Station which meant transferring those funds to support the Field Studies Council proposals - efforts which secured around 30 jobs on the island going forward.” In a swipe at Mr Marshall, NAC depute leader Mr Hill went on: “You should not, as an elected member, seek to take the credit for an action without also accepting responsibility for the consequences at the same time.

“The simple fact is that last year’s storms have done greater damage to the pier than we had anticipated, and this early closure is a result of that. Repairs to the wooden section of the pier would cost almost £1 million with annual maintenance costs of £125k. I am gutted that the Waverley may not call again at Millport. However, costs on this scale are simply not sustainable in the current economic climate when a London Tory Government, that Cllr Marshall supports, is expecting North Ayrshire’s budget to shrink substantially over the next few years.” Councillor Hill who has an office in Millport concluded: “The council’s preferred option for the pier is to replace the wooden section with an area of pontoons that will allow more yachts and pleasure boats to visit the island. There is, perhaps sadly, little future for a 19th century pier in 21st century Scotland. I am sad about this and, in particular, would have preferred a planned exit for the pier rather than a sudden stop. It would have been much nicer to have been able to say goodbye to the Waverley in true Millport style.”