PROPSALS for a new jetty on Largs Bay have been put on hold after financial concerns over the viability of the project.

Last year councillors backed proposals for a study to look creating the jetty to help boost tourism.

It was agreed by councillors to spend £23,000 to look at the feasibility of a concrete structure to make the town more accessible to boat users.

The creation of a jetty stance was also welcomed by local businesses, who felt it could provide a major tourism boost to the town and surrounding area.

However, a report which went before councillors at the Locality Planning meeting this week has revealed the £23,000 study suggested the economic benefit to the area would be 'minor'.

It reads: "It was agreed to progress a feasibility study for a jetty in the bay which could attract further visitors to Largs. The cost of the feasibility study and report was £23,165.

"The cost benefit analysis indicated only minor economic gains against the cost of developing this proposal.

"Therefore, this project has been put on hold for the time being."

It had been hoped that the project would allow Largs to have step ashore facilities for visiting yachts and motor cruisers, which in turn would bring a new stream of visitors and tourists.

When the spend was rubber-stamped last year, critics, including Largs community councillor Patricia Perman, said they believed the £23,000 spend on the feasibility study was a 'waste of money'.

They said they believed finances could be put to better use by cash-strapped North Ayrshire Council.