Car parks are to remain closed in Largs and throughout North Ayrshire.

A proposal was on the cards earlier this week for council-owned car parks in the local area to re-open but the move resulted in strong objections from councillors Tom Marshall, Alan Hill and Ian Murdoch.

Speaking to the 'News', Cllr. Tom Marshall said: "There had been a proposal regarding opening car parks as of Friday but this will now not be happening.

"The rules as set out today that you shouldn't travel more than five miles from your home under the Scottish government's exit plan.

"The car parks will not re-open this weekend and we will have to wait and see when the matter will be reviewed in future."

There had been strong objections from the community after it was revealed earlier this week that the matter of re-opening the car parks was under consideration.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Whilst there are some travel restrictions being relaxed slightly, the guidance from Scottish Government, supported by Police Scotland, is that all councils should keep car parks shut, particularly around beauty spots so as not to encourage travel there. 

“Therefore the car parks we closed on April 3 will remain closed until the guidance changes. We will continue to keep the position under review and respond as appropriate in line with any emerging guidance.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was specifically asked about the situation with Largs during her press briefing in which she advised that people stay within five miles of home under the lockdown exit plan other than to visit family.

The First Minister explained a four-stage route map for easing restrictions that included much harsher restrictions on car travel in the first phase than has been previously installed in England.

People will not be allowed to drive beyond their local area until the third phase, which will not be introduced before July 9 at the very earliest.