A CAMPAIGNER is calling for a delay in introducing charges to the Gateside Street car park in Largs because of the cost of living crisis.

North Ayrshire Council have announced plans to introduce parking levies as of 2023 - including at the site of the former gasworks.

It has been a free facility for many years, but as of 2023, drivers will be asked to fork out £1.50 for an hour-long stay, £2 or two hours and £3.50 four hours - the maximum allowed.

However former Largs community councillor John O'Connor has called for a re-think.

John, who lives close by, says local residents who will nowhere left to park their cars.

He added: "There are a lot of retired people who live here, where are they going to put their cars? I have asked this question to North Ayrshire Council and nobody has been able to give me an answer.

"That car park is also used by shopworkers. They rely on it, and above all of that, it is a ridiculous time to be introducing car park charges amid a cost of living crisis that is leaving people destitute.

"There is not much in the way of car parking in Gateside Street due to double yellow lines, so this is going to cause chaos."

John believes that the problem requires more central government funding help to create a multi-storey facility.

He added: "The fact that you are limited to four hours parking will cause issues too. Imagine the ridiculousness of having to move your car from one place to another every fours.

"I'm not sure where the money would come from, but if the town had a multi-storey then residents could be given permits and visitors could have somewhere to park.

"Ultimately that is really the answer."

Councillor Alan Hill, of the ruling SNP administration at North Ayrshire Council, told the News that the car park pricing structure has 'not been finalised'.

He said: "There has been no final decision made on the charges.

"What we have is a situation and proposal which we have inherited from the former Labour council administration.

"There are specific issues to Largs with the introducing of charging having a knock on effect for residents parking, and then we have the cost of living effects too.

"The downside is the budgetary consequences and these need to be looked into, although I don't think a delay to the introduction of the car parking charges will solve the problems that Mr O'Connor has raised.

"Members in other wards have also voiced concerns about the introduction of car park charges, so this will be something that will be looked at before a final decision is taken."

The decision to decriminalise parking in Largs town centre and introduce a tariff at a number of council owned car parks in the district was taken at a meeting of North Ayrshire Council in September 2019 but was delayed until 2023 due to Covid-19.