Ayrshire restaurant owner fears derelict building collapse

Maria Tims, owner of the award-winning Allegria, is urging North Ayrshire Council to take action over the adjacent unit formerly occupied by Anaya's Indian Restaurant and Albert's Bar.
Anaya's were forced to move out of the building in January 2020 after the ceiling fell in due to water damage, while Albert's Bar beneath has been lying vacant for a number of years.
Attempts to reach the landlord to address the issue have hit a brick wall and the seafront site has been branded an 'eyesore' and a 'disgrace'.
Maria said: "I really think the council need to step in and do something. 
"Whatever happens next door will affect us and I am concerned about the building - something needs to be done urgently.
"The council need to push it either to get the owner to do something or pursue a compulsory purchase order.
"It is such a shame as the view from the restaurant which used to be based up there is unbelievable.
"I have tried to get a hold of the landlord without success.
"It is time now for action as this has gone on long enough and something needs to be done."
Maria's calls are being backed by independent councillor Ian Murdoch, who has been keeping a close eye on the building's situation.
He said: "It is a blight on the seafront.
"I stood outside the building with the chief executive of North Ayrshire Council last year and have had a separate meeting with council officers and raised this matter a few times.
"It concerns me greatly that this building has been left the way it is.

Ian Murdoch (Image: NAC)
"With a refurbished restaurant in Allegria, which has been very successful, on one side of the property and the former Helter Skelter having been taken over on the other side, it is even more important that something is done.
"The building is a disgrace.
"It is a concern for the town that this building is lying empty and not been touched, and I am going to write again to the chief executive to try and get some action.
"The building is in poor condition - there was concern last year with public safety over the facade and bits falling off the roof.

"We have the busy summer period coming up and the Viking Festival coming too, which attracts thousands of visitors to the seafront.
"We want the premises in the area to be looking their best.
"Allegria has opened, and Helter Skelter is going to be getting a makeover, so we need to get this central part of the building sorted out."