THE start and completion of two major projects in Millport have been delayed.

The launch date for the Millport Flood Defence Scheme and the date for the end of the revamp of the Millport Town Hall have both been pushed back.

Gregor Harvie, special advisor to Cumbrae Community Council, believes construction on the flood scheme has been hit by rising costs.

He said: “North Ayrshire Council has been concerned about inflating costs and so the tender documents were not issued until the beginning of April.

“They should be returned around June but a contract is unlikely to be awarded before the beginning of August.

“If all goes well construction could start at the beginning of October, so the timeline has slipped back a little bit.”

Angie McCallum, chair of the Millport Town Hall Charity, also confirmed that progress on the renovation of the iconic building has fallen behind schedule.

She said: “Because of huge delays, we are currently looking at a mid-December finish, which is far later than everyone thought.

“Unfortunately it is unavoidable because there have been all sorts of issues from all sides due to materials and costs.

“Having said that, I have been on site recently and am delighted by what I've seen.

“I could walk down into the basement and the concrete is about to be poured down there too.

“It’s taking a long time to come together but we are getting there. It will be worth it for the benefit it will bring to the community.”