COUNCILLORS have agreed to cost major plans which would turn Barrfields into a car park.

Local council officials have decided this week to look in to the possibility of creating additional spaces at the south side of the putting green in a bid to solve the ongoing issue of town centre parking.

The process, which is in the early stages, will see officers look at the legalities of the ground being used and how many spaces could be created.

The move comes following the council's decision to rubber-stamp decriminalised parking in Largs, which will come in to effect next year and will see cars only able to park with a one hour, no return policy.

Councillor Ian Murdoch says Barrfields is just the first step in opening up much needed discussions about the future of parking in the town centre.

He said: "When decriminalised parking comes into play we are going to have the issue of where shop workers and tourists stop.

"I know that Barrfields may not be seen as acceptable to everyone but these conversations are long overdue.

"No final decision has been made and any proposal will go out for consultation. But we are looking into the costs and evaluating if Barrfields is a viable option.

"Standing still on this issue isn't. We need to start seriously thinking about what can be done.

"There are various locations which have been identified for a new car park, including the area at the Brisbane Centre.

"I don't want to give up green spaces either but if we don't do something soon it is going to hit local traders and the local economy."

Businessman John Corrigan launched a petition in February calling for the site to be looked at.

A group of 80 people signed in favour but a counter petition was launched by residents surrounding Barrfields calling for the site to remain as it is.

Councillor Tom Marshall said: "The costing process has been agreed.

"Cllr Murdoch thinks we should dig up the grass to put parking on the seafront, but having run a public questionnaire on the subject a number of years ago, I am convinced that the local population do not wish to see any more car parking along the seafront.

"Given that the council has declared a climate emergency, we cannot continue to build our way out of these problems by digging up more seafront grass."

Councillor Alan Hill added: "This proposal comes from works carried out several years ago by the former Largs Development Company, who produced various proposals to alleviate the parking difficulties in the town.

"Whilst I appreciate that this will not be universally popular, it was accepted by the three town councillors that something needs to be done and that this was the best proposal currently on the table."

Councillor Murdoch believes more parking may be the only way to protect the town centre's economy.

He added: "Largs is lucky to still have a relatively strong town centre and one that day trippers and tourists still want to come to. We need to do everything we can to ensure this is not lost.

"To do this we need to make sure there is parking available for visitors, otherwise it is going to drive people away.

"If off street parking is made available it will also ease congestion in town as it will get people in to spaces quicker rather than queuing for hours.

"We should be doing all we can to encourage people to visit Largs.

"I am more than happy to work with locals on this issue and hear their suggestions, ideas and concerns."