Millport residents have again raised concerns with the overgrown state of Kames Bay.
However, the beach has been designated for a number of years as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and as such mechanical cleansing of the beach is prohibited.
Kames Bay is considered to have potentially contributed more to the understanding of marine biology than any other stretch of beach in Scotland. 
A North Ayrshire Council spokeswoman said: “Strimming of vegetation is allowed up to a distance of three metres from the promenade and manual litter-picking is also carried out by the Council’s Streetscene team.
“Seaweed is an integral part of the eco-system so is only ever removed if deemed hazardous.
“We will continue to monitor the beach but, at the same time, must also recognise its scientific importance and the agreements in place with the SNH.”