Largs local pubs are asking for the residents to support them as try to stay afloat amidst increasing rates and competition.

Pub bosses say they are feeling the pressure more than ever to get people through the door despite the affluent pub scene in the town.

Competing with the likes of Wetherspoons they say that when it comes to the local businesses people need to use it or lose it.

Whilst they celebrated a good start to the new year with their traditional January 2nd festivities, they remain concerned for what 2019 brings.

Waterside's Brian Purdie said: "That is just one day out of the year, and it is a spectacular day, we are packed out every time.

"But we are open 364 days a year and we are constantly having to think ahead of the game to keep people coming.

"Years ago there was a regular trade in pubs but it's not like that anymore.

"Your mind never stops now, it's all about thinking ahead and the next plan to get people through the door.

"I don't know what the solution is but if people don't start using their locals they will lose them.

"Perhaps the town needs to consider getting more people in from out of town, a later train would be a great idea at getting more people to stay later but we also need the local residents support."

The Three Reasons, Stewart Grant said: "January 2nd we had to close our doors, we were so packed we couldn't let any more people in.

"It would be great if it was like that all the time.

"We need people to keep coming in, its becoming harder and harder to keep up with the business rates on top of the prices of having BT and Sky licenses.

"People need to realise that places like Wetherspoons aren't that much cheaper than we are.

"Plus we are local faces and everyone that does come likes that about it.

"We need to be more proactive in getting the message out their to people and letting them know everything we have to offer.

"We have Largs Live and that is always good for getting people in to the pubs but we need that support year round.

"People always complain when somewhere closes down, but the thing is that only happens when the services stop getting used.

"If you don't want to see more places close then support the local pubs."

Lounge owner, Stephen McDonald said: "You really have to be a jack of all trades in this industry now.

"It's not enough to just be a pub or a bar.

"We have to be a venue, a restaurant, a bar, a club and have entertainment on every weekend or during the week.

"The rates are extortionate but there is not point complaining about it, we just need to do what we can to get people through the door to cover the costs of them.

"Most of us are doing what we can by putting on entertainment to drive people in."

Brian Flannigan, co-owner of the Village Inn said: "It is getting harder and harder - minimum pay goes up every year, price of beer goes up, satellite prices go up, and then the general utilities too.

"It is important to be community based and people focused and that is why we do the dementia singing group which has attracted 30-40 people, and the recent Pink weekend that raised a lot of money for breast cancer.

"We also have close connections with the primary school, gala, and community garden, all these things are important.

"Businesses in Largs worked together in terms of hosting Largs Live and Yuletide, to make towns work businesses have to co-operate.

"Wetherspoons bring people into the town centre, and it is all about what entertainment you have on offer, and different promotions, and live music, and good service.

"You just need to look at how many times the Village Inn has closed over recent years - both my wife Debbie and I put in a lot of hours to make sure it works.

"Having good quality service, and the old Cheers theme where 'everybody knows your name' and you know the name of the person you are serving, what they are having, and making sure you have the drink poured in good time, while having a good chat is the way it should be."