PLANS to make significant changes to bus and queueing facilities at the ferry slip on Cumbrae have been given a significant funding boost.

The works, planned by North Ayrshire Council, are to receive financial support of £350,000 from the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

Work is currently under way to make major changes to the Largs side of the ferry operation thanks to a previous funding award from SPT, including adding an extra queueing lane in Fort Street.

However, money for the island improvements had not been fully secured - but this new funding from SPT should allow the project to move forward.

Plans for the Cumbrae side include two new queueing lanes, a formalised second bus stop, and a new pedestrian, cyclist and public transport interchange facility.

Ward councillor Todd Ferguson, a Cumbrae resident, has hailed the fresh funding - but says major decisions on the overall design still need to take place.

He said: “It is welcome to have that investment in place, and I look forward to the next stages and finalised drawings to see what the changes will look like.

“It is a big investment, so we need to get it right, and it’s a great opportunity to improve what we already have.

“It would be great to get the same queuing system as on the Largs side, to make it easier for travellers to understand.

“During busy periods leaving the island, the ferry queue can stretch back far, so an additional one or two lanes is most welcome.”

Stephen Dornan, chair of SPT, said: “Despite challenging financial pressures, we are making transport in our area greener, more connected, and more reliable and accessible to all.

“Our investment programme will ensure communities, residents and businesses across North Ayrshire can share in the benefits of improved public transport and active travel.

“We are proud to announce this funding and look forward to working with the local authority and others to progress these projects and deliver transport improvements across the region.”

Improvement works on the Largs side are currently ongoing, and are expected to be complete in the next few months.

The queueing capacity will be extended by around seven vehicles, and the works will provide two lanes for cars to reach the ferry.

Talks are under way about introducing parking restrictions during the summer in Bath Street, as well as exploring the potential for the road to be made one way in the future.