A Largs councillor is fighting to upgrade the ‘dilapidated’ Aubery swing park which has been daubed with vile graffiti – and has vowed to paint it himself if nothing is done.

Conservative Tom Marshall claims the facility has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair and on a recent visit to the park, the News found explicit messages scrawled on play equipment, as well as a used condom near the fence.

Cllr Marshall says a lack of investment has seen the whole of Aubery Park allowed to fall away from its heyday as a popular spot for locals and tourists.

He explained: “I have emphasised many times that there has not been sufficient enough investment in the Largs seafront, and even less in Aubery.

“I used to work at Aubery Park as a teenager and in those days there were paddle boats for children, a sandpit and crazy golf.

“It is now pretty run down now because nothing has been done to that playpark in years — and you certainly wouldn’t want to take your grandkids there.

“It’s just a reflection of the fact that the ruling Labour administration doesn’t view tourists as important enough.”

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

The Conservative councillor says he will aim to have the obscene graffiti removed within two weeks, and if not, will take matters into his own hands.

He added: “I am led to believe that there will be some money allocated this year to enable investment in non-capital tourism projects.

“I will be seeking funding for the park to be renovated and the graffiti to be removed, failing which I will buy a pot of paint and go and do it myself.”

Cllr Marshall has confirmed that plans are also underway to upgrade seating along the promenade, which he hopes will boost its appeal to visitors.

He said: “We have managed to get all of the lamp-posts along the seafront repainted and we hope that by the beginning of April a lot of the seating will be refurbished or replaced.

“It should improve the general appearance of the seafront and we hope to continue that in the coming months.

“There are also historic plans to enhance Aubery and hopefully those can also be reignited in the next financial year.”