The developers behind the controversial Stakis forestry project in Largs have made 'substantial progress' which will help 'Save the Gretas' for the people of Largs, a local MSP has said.
This comes after the original designs by developer Tillhill for Halkshill and Blair Park were rejected by the Forestry Commission.
Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson recently met with Tillhill and believes that the company have 'bent over backwards' to address the concerns raised, following a long community battle.
The area downstream of the Greeto Bridge will be left open with scattered broadleaves and form the focus of the main recreation area, while visibility and access to the Quad Rocks will not be affected. 
The slopes below the core path will be predominantly native broadleaves, with some pine planted. Amenity conifers and broadleaves will screen any view to the forestry operations on the upper slopes.
Mr Gibson said: "During the recent public consultation process, several issues were raised by myself and others, including the local Save the Gretas campaign. 
"Chief amongst these were the potential impact on the Greeto Falls area and the Gogo Valley, and the visual impact on Largs, which Forestry Commission Scotland agreed would be 'significant and unacceptable.'
“I was able to discuss many of these concerns with Tillhill and expressed the importance of finding a way forward. I have now been shown the revised plans which addresses many of these concerns.
“Although the design is still at a draft stage, I am encouraged by the progress made so far and look forward to seeing the completed plan."
"I am delighted that such progress has been made and that the Gretas will be saved for the people of Largs and all others who enjoy them."
Councillor Alan Hill is seeking to arrange a meeting of interested parties to discuss a common approach to the proposals.
Cllr Hill said, “Forestry Commission Scotland has widely acknowledged that the community response from Largs was among the largest, if not the largest, that they have ever received to a proposal. I am so proud of the way that our community pulled together to deliver such a united and positive response to what is one of the most significant proposals to come forward for this area in decades.
"Stakis/Tilhill have been told by the Commission that their current plan is not acceptable and to resubmit. It is now more important than ever that our community speaks with one voice. We should not allow ourselves to be picked off, or spoken to, one by one. We submitted a pretty united and uniform response and it is important that we continue to speak as one.
"For that reason I am seeking to pull together a meeting locally involving North Ayrshire Council, Largs Community Council, Save the Gretas and others. I’d like us to agree on what is most important to us collectively and then to nominate a delegation to meet with Stakis/Tilhill to put forward our views and lead on behalf of the community.
"There have been no concrete proposals made by Stakis/Tilhill regarding any community benefit to the Largs area in respect of the major disruption that will result to the town and its surrounding area both during and after construction.
“When these forestry proposals were first muted, Stakis and Tilhill came along and promised the earth. We were to have cycle ways and walking routes, community forest and a Largs version of Go Ape.
"What is currently on the table is virtually nothing. The developer stands to make millions of pounds. I would like us to lobby Stakis hard on this issue. It is simply unacceptable that a project of this size and scale goes forward with little or no benefit to our community."
The finalised new design is expected to be presented to Largs Community Council before the end of the year.