LARGS Community Council told the News that the construction of a new pier could bring severe disruption to the prom this week back in 2007.

Then-acting chairman and now town councillor Ian Murdoch spoke out after local ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne applied for an order that would allow them to expand the structure.

He and other councillors believed that, while a new harbour order could see CalMac holding increased jurisdiction over the local shore, the potential effects of the extensive construction were a worry.

They said outdoor eateries could face huge problems from masonry work taking place nearby - as well as having to deal with vermin suddenly forced to flee the sewers around the pier.

In other news, Stan Parkes, of Waterside Street, gave affectionate account of a young John Lennon’s visits north to see his him and his extended family and the head of Kelburn Primary School in Largs was nominated for a prestigious national prize after bravely battling a life-threatening condition.

Despite fighting cancer and enduring debilitating chemotherapy sessions Christine McAulay continued to inspire and was nominated for head teacher of the year at Scotland's 2007 education awards.

Elsewhere, Largs Beach Watch registered strong objections to a new Scottish Water pumping station at Buchanan Street that they believe would see sewage seep into local waters.

We also told how North Ayrshire Council were backing the News and local mums in the battle against dog dirt on our streets by installing 40 new dog bins in the area.

The ‘No Poo on My Shoe’ campaign had been been set up by a group of concerned young mothers in the area who felt that a pro-active educational project was needed in a bid to eradicate dog waste from local streets.

Some of the 40 new bins were replacing old ones while others are being placed in new positions to increase coverage in Largs, Fairlie, West Kilbride and Skelmorlie.

A new owner had checked in at the Brisbane House Hotel in Largs - and told the News he couldn’t wait to place it back at the heart of a thriving community.

Successful businessman Henry Fitzsimmons, 54, planned to transform the Greenock Road hotel with a series of extensions and renovations in a bid to rejuvenate its fortunes.