An angry Largs resident says large trucks blocking the only fire exit from his building could lead to someone being trapped and killed in a blaze.

Russell Cavanagh, who lives in Boyd Street, says lorries are parking for up to 30 minutes while unloading for nearby shops. 

He believes the issue could cost lives at the building, which suffered a serious fire back in 2014.

Russell said: “These lorries seal off our main door, which is the building’s only fire escape.

“We must remember that there was a disastrous fire at this block only a few years ago. 

“Local businesses that may have outgrown the compact shop units are ignoring double yellow lines and parking right up on pavements against people’s front doors and windows.

“There is no excuse as they have dropped kerbs in place outside their own front doors and they are turning a blind eye to the safety concerns of their community.

“At a time when the dreadful Grenfell tragedy remains fresh in people’s minds, it is crazy to block fire escapes at residential properties.”

Russell believes that the lorry drivers don’t realise the hazard they are causing, and says the lack of sight onto the road could also cause problems. 

He explained: “In 2014 they had to evacuate one side of the building, and the only exit for residents is out of the front door.

“You can’t go out the back because it goes to a very narrow back yard full of bins that there is no escape from.”

Russell believes nearby business Prestige Carpets and Furniture needs to find bigger premises to cope with the large lorries that deliver every day of the week.

He said: “I’m not paying council rent to live in a commercial van and lorry park.

“It’s almost like the Dukes of Hazard, the owner says he has been doing it for 30 years but that’s not the point.

“If someone’s business means they have to have big lorries in tiny streets, they need to find bigger or better premises.”

The owner of Prestige Carpets and Furniture declined to comment when approached by the News.  

Russell believes that installing bollards can bring a swift end to the issue.

He said: “I have no interest in starting a feud over this and want it to be a reasonable outcome for everyone involved.

"I support the business and the employment of local people, I just want a safe resolution as what is going on right now could cost lives.”

Councillor Ian Murdoch has been approached by Russell and other resident to explore the option of bollards on Boyd Street.

Cllr Murdoch said: “I raised the Boyd Street issue with officers at North Ayrshire Council, who informed me that parking and traffic safety are under the jurisdiction of Police Scotland.

"I will investigate the request for bollards of some description.”

North Ayrshire Council told the News it has referred the matter to Police Scotland for them to further investigate.