BACK in May 2005 there were concerns that Largs Main Street was being turned into a 'deadly race track' by boy racers late at night.

Largs community councillor Laura McAlees voiced fears that the town centre was in danger of turning into Brands Hatch.

After witnessing vehicles racing on the main thoroughfare, Miss McAlees had brought the dangerous incident to the attention of police.

She said: “It happened just after 1am after all the pubs were closing during a recent Saturday night. Two cars started racing up the Main Street on both sides of the road. Each were trying to get in front of each other. It happened five minutes after the police van had done the check round the area.”

Elsewhere Fairlie Community Council called upon Amey to remove a controversial road island which caused another accident earlier in the month.

The small island was there to help pedestrians cross the road and had a street lamp. It was situated 100 yards south of the petrol garage on the A78 trunk road in Fairlie. However, a taxi driver died there two years before after he collapsed at the wheel, and crashed into the lamp standard in the middle of the road. Another incident happened in which a car struck the traffic island. Fears have been expressed by Fairlie Community Council that the road measure serves no useful purpose and is a hindrance to vehicles. Long time campaigner Charlie Vassie was calling for traffic lights to be introduced instead.

West of Scotland MSP Campbell Martin demanded that Millport’s only bank be kept in check after islanders and visitors were left with no cash access over the holiday weekend. There had been many reports of it running out of money or simply becoming jammed at other key times. Members of Cumbrae Community Council added that the Stuart Street branch of the Bank of Scotland was regularly understaffed with limited opening hours.

Fairlie Primary pupils were photographed gaining valuable early lessons from Walk to School Week, an initiative that’s set to help reduce traffic while teaching children crucial road safety skills.

Talented Largs golfer Lesley Hendry, 19, saw off all competition at the Ayrshire Ladies’ County Golf Association Championship, taking the trophy back to Routenburn Golf Club.

Age Concern in Largs was celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special open day celebration at its A D Cameron Centre premises in Lade Street. Members and visitors are invited to come along to see the premises, originally opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra and named after the centre’s late chairman. The group’s many activities included organised outings and regular winter entertainment, providing support and friendship in old age.

It was also a big milestone for Haylie House Residential Care Home in Largs. Residents and visitors alike were overjoyed to be attending the 50th anniversary celebrations. Cutting the celebratory cake was Secretary May Murray while in attendance were North Ayrshire Council Provost Drew Duncan, Council Leader David O’Neill, Councillor Elisabethe Marshall and various members of the Haylie House Board of Trustees.

In the Big Picture back page, Millport Fire Brigade put on their big annual party for the lucky island youngsters at the DA Hall, while Largs Gymnastic display team were clearly working flexible hours while training for the Scottish Gymfest held at the Magnum Leisure Centre in Irvine.

The team performed along with teams from all over Britain, as far north as Fort William and south to London.