THE deputy provost of North Ayrshire has told the News that he has 'no problem' with coronavirus hit cruise ships coming to Hunterston.

Robert Barr, who is an independent councillor for West Kilbride, says it would not rest easy on his conscious if crews were ignored and 'sent away to their deaths' without supplies.

Robert was involved in a conference chat with Peel Ports to discuss the proposal as were community councils from Largs, Fairlie, West Kilbride and Millport.

His approach has provoked a furious response from Fairlie community councillor David Telford who has questioned why Peel Ports are willing to berth liners there having previously deemed the site unsuitable for any maritime tourism development.

Cllr Barr said: "I don't have any hang ups with the proposal.

"It is only a skeleton crew that will be on the cruise ships and not the passengers. They might have the virus, they might not.

"They are just coming here to get provisions including water, food and medicine supplies. They have got to get help from somewhere. I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

"At the end of the conference call, nobody objected although people voiced concerns.

"It is a humanitarian thing. People have got to realise that we are living in different times, the world is a very different place.

"I know people have voiced strong views against the move and they are entitled to their opinion but the cruise ships would only be mooring to get provisions.

"You have to think about the safety of the staff. These ships have got be taken somewhere.

"Some critics have said that why don't the cruise ships go back to the places where they are registered. I wouldn't want that on my conscious, that these crews could be sent away to their deaths without the required food, water and supplies.

"There has got to be a bit of give and take. We must look at it from a sensible perspective. Most of the crews are off the ship I believe and it just a skeleton staff to keep it ticking over during these very difficult times."

Other people who supported the move included Largs resident Archie Burleigh.

He said: "I think there is an element of nimbyism about this.

"This will provide some revenue for local boat hirers to nip out and provide supplies. It is not as if you are bringing a cruise ship full of people with the virus, it is only a skeleton crew and they can get tested."

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch however remains critical of parts of the plan.

He said: "I have concerns on humanitarian grounds about the crews. If they need repatriated then that is something we can maybe help with.

"For me main issue about the proposal so far is that there have not been any discussions between the port operator and North Ayrshire Council to prepare for something like this.

"Surely it is something they need to be discussing with the local authority. It is good business practice to link up with other agencies, including the health partnership.

"They have changed focus from docking at Greenock to physically docking at Hunterston. Peel Ports originally said that they wouldn't be docking at here but now they say that is the plan.

"Peel say they are the port authority and can bring ships in if they like. They are absolutely correct in this regard but it needs to have a proper plan behind it."

A spokesperson for Peel Ports said “Due to the travel disruption associated with COVID-19, cruise companies have enquired about safe and temporary anchorages for vessels not in operation. These vessels have minimal crew and no passengers on board. We would never make agreements that jeopardise the health and safety of staff, residents or local communities and remain fully complaint with guidance issued by health and maritime authorities at all times”