LOCATIONS have been discussed in private for a new car park in Largs - but councillors have this week come under fire for refusing to make them public.

Businessmen in the town have demanded the elected members tell them where the proposed facility could be located - saying jobs and 'people's livelihoods' are at stake.

We revealed recently how the putting green at Barrfields had been earmarked as a potential site, but we understand this has been put on ice as other locations are looked at.

John Corrigan, who owns a number of high street businesses, accused the town councillors of 'secrecy' and says they should be upfront and reveal any plans.

He told the News that there is a growing frustration over the parking issue which he says has 'gone unsolved for years'.

Mr Corrigan added: "I had a recent meeting with Councillor Tom Marshall and asked him what about the Barrfields putting green proposal.

"He told me that the councillors have decided it is not going to happen.

"They also have a proposal for two new car parks nearer the town centre - but it is a big secret.

"Taxpayers are funding £16,000 towards a councillor's salary yet they can't tell us where a car park might be. It's nonsense."

Mr Corrigan has set up a petition for improved parking provisions and has received signatures from 40 businesses so far.

He said he would be presenting the petition to North Ayrshire Council's Head of Economic Growth, Catriona McAulay.

Although the locations are a tightly guarded secret, the News understands that Scott Park is one of the options being looked at.

But Mr Corrigan has called for a re-think on Barrfields.

He added: "Scott Park is not suitable as it's already very congested with school traffic.

"We have had hundreds of proposals, including the park and ride idea at the marina, which have never reached fruition.

Conservative councillor Tom Marshall has told the 'News' that the location of the new car parks will be revealed at the right time - involving a full public consultation.

He said: "There are a whole range of parking options we have been looking at, and there are two car park locations in particular we are examining.

"The officers are going to work up costings and a design for them, and once that is determined, we will go public.

"Ten or twelve years ago we identified at least ten areas for parking and some of them involve difficult decisions regarding parking on the seafront and other aspects.

"Once there is a proposal everyone will get to know and there will be a full consultation.

"Businesses could help themselves by telling their employees not to park in the main shopping centre all of the working day and taking up the spaces that locals, visitors and shoppers could use.

"We will try and get these new car parks in place as soon as possible - and some of the general parking improvements may be in place for the summer."

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch said: "My first priority on being elected was to try and sort out the parking issue.

"The Barrfields Putting Green car park has been ruled out for the time being due to costs. "To my mind, the council need to look at building car parks as it is something that would absolutely generate income."

Labour councillor Alex Gallagher told the 'News' that a parking strategy was in place and would be implemented over the course of the year.

He added: "Parking is always under review - there are no sites with concrete plans as yet but some sites have been looked at as far as costings."

SNP councillor Alan Hill said: "I do believe that to be successful any new parking has to be relatively close to the town centre and fairly visible to visitors and tourists alike.

"A number of sites are currently under active consideration within the town and input from local people and traders is always welcome."