A MONEY-SPINNING initiative which has provided key funding for community projects throughout Largs is feared to have lost over 50 per cent of its income.


Cash collected through the seafront car park has helped pay for the town's skatepark and improvements to the promenade in recent years and is seen as a key way of funding future upkeep of facilities - and a way of paying for new ones.
But a lack of tourists using it as a result of lockdown brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic has left local politicians fearful about the wider impact of a massive drop in takings.
Independent councillor Ian Murdoch believes the scale of the losses will be 'very significant' - running to a loss of half the annual income.
He said: "The losses will be devastating. The revenue from the Largs seafront car park is a big income stream for the town and its facilities.
"It is a real blow as it funds many local projects - and that funding stream will be severely cut back now for next year.
"Recently, the car park money helped pay for the new Changing Places toilet near Largs seafront, as well as various things like the new illuminations in Gallowgate Square.
"Largs is unique in that the seafront car park makes a significant difference. It is something most other towns do not have and is usually a reliable income generator for local projects.
"There are lots of things we wouldn't have if we didn't have the funds it generates."
Up until now, the car park, which has 140 spaces, is the only one that operates a pay and display system on Largs shore. 
The take a ticket on entry and pay when you leave facility has parking costs of £1 for up to an hour, £3 for up to three hours and £4 for over three hours. The fund had a balance on 1 April last year of £160,482.
Each year, he council officers and local councillors come together and decide upon the local projects which are deserving of the distribution of the funds.]
The seafront car park previously provided funds for the central local government coffers but following a long running battle it was agreed that the money could be ringfenced to be used locally.