THE organisers of the popular Largs Market have assured residents that the weekly event is safe - despite Covid-19 cases rising again locally.

A minority of local residents have voiced concerns that the market is attracting out-of-town visitors from high-risk areas such as Glasgow.

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch, who is also chair of Largs Events, says it is unfair that the market is being highlighted.

He said: “I respect and am very cautious over the pandemic, but as chair of Largs Events I would not allow the market to run if I had any doubt in my mind it would impact the town negatively.

“I think it’s totally unfair that certain people are pointing the finger. We have received guidance that the market, under certain circumstance, could have operated at level four.

“We decided not to do that and only open when went to level three, and it will remain open now in level two and hopefully soon in level one.

“We have complied with every rule, regulation and piece of guidance laid in front of us."

Resident and community councillor Andy Adair was one of the people to voice concerns that the market could bring the virus to the town.

He said: “A lot of people have turned round and said to me that a lot of people in Glasgow, where the new variant is prevalent, are still coming down specifically for the market.

“They’re coming right on to our doorstep, and even though the organisers say it is legal, that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

“Largs is full of pensioners and they are the most vulnerable people. I feel they are in danger because of the market and who it is attracting.

“If four or five people in Largs caught the new variant, can you imagine the furore? All hell would break loose.”

Cllr Murdoch believes that other attractions in the town, such as the promenade, attract many more visitors than the market.

He explained: “It is everything on offer that brings people to Largs.

“The prom, beautiful views and the area we live in attract visitors. Whether the market is there or not is irrelevant to me.

“If you’re going to point the finger at it then you have to point the finger at Largs prom and various other things too.”