Ayrshire: Shop closures in Largs and Fairlie in 2008

There was a furious reaction to Postwatch’s decision to close Fairlie Post Office with community leaders slamming the move as an ‘utter disgrace’ - and MSP Kenneth Gibson questioning if the move was already a done deal.

Postwatch announced that 43 out of 44 post offices earmarked for closure would be axed including Fairlie, sparking a furious outcry at the ‘sham consultation’ and ‘waste of taxpayer’s money’.

There had been a Post Office presence in the village since 1855 but owner Fraser Littlejohn said that he would be forced to close his shop if the Post Office wielded the axe. Community council chairman David Telford said: “This is a joke - the whole consultation has been a waste of money. It has just been a token gesture. It is utterly disgraceful.

"It was just a token gesture, just going through the motions and they wasted everyone’s time and public money with this sham of an exercise. I don’t think they had the slightest intention of changing their minds. It is very very disappointing. It is sickening. It has been a complete and utter waste of taxpayers’ money. They must have known that when they had that meeting and wasted everyone’s time. The whole thing was a charade.”

It followed in the footsteps of Clark's shoe shop which closed its doors. The long-established shoe shop was not extending its lease. Staff lost their jobs as a result of the move out of the town centre premises.

A spokesman for Clarks confirmed the matter. He said: “I can confirm that the lease of this shop to Clarks is coming to an end. We were not able to arrange a lease renewal. We regret that as a result the shop will close and the staff will unfortunately be made redundant.

“We would like to thank all the staff for the service they have given to our customers and also thank the customers who have supported the shop."

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A Largs businessman backed a campaign for CCTV in the Largs area - but Provost Bobby Rae has said local shops would have to contribute towards financing such a scheme. Mr John Corrigan of Acre Lettings told the ‘News’ that he can’t understand how Kilmacolm have got CCTV cameras installed yet Largs, which attracts more people in terms of visitors, cannot get the security measure.

CCTV plea (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Corrigan said: “There needs to be a concerted campaign on this. There is something seriously wrong when Kilmacolm has CCTV cameras and we don’t. As businesses we pay double the rates of some of the places in North Ayrshire which do have CCTV. We get hammered for rates in this town yet we are last in the queue. It is shocking.”

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There could be interest in a community buy-out for the Village Inn and Mudhook if there is a permanent closure threat to the traditional Bay Street bar.

Community council chairman David Telford told the ‘News’ that a potential move has been discussed should the premises not be re-opened.

The popular bar in the village had been part of community life for generations. Mr Telford phoned the pub owners, Punch Taverns, following the surprise closure earlier in the month. He said: “They say they were still in a legal dispute and until that was resolved, they could not put anybody else in. It is a bit worrying as this could go on for some time."

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A Polish-born artist who grew angel influence up in Largs was selected to provide the unique design displayed on the labels of ‘Valhalla Vodka’ bottles presented to the RFA Largs Bay ship during the Viking Festival.

Agnieska Mizia moved to Largs during the 1980s before going on to the Glasgow School of Art in which she received an honours degree in ceramics and design. Captain Iles of the RFA Largs Bay warmly welcomed the gift which will be on display on the royal auxiliary ship as it travels the globe. Agnieska, was delighted to have been selected as the official artist for the Valhalla vodka bottle labels during the RFA Largs Bay ship’s historic visit to local shores. A bottle was also given as a gift to the MSP for culture, Linda Fabiani, at an official Viking Festival reception at the Brisbane House Hotel

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Largs Academy pupils headed to the great outdoors at Castle Semple for a team building exercise.

The Business Management trip to Castle Semple saw around 40 hardy souls, accompanied by  Mrs Thomson and Mr Seal, head to the great outdoors  This year the adventure was made all the more real by a coach’s flat tyre, and eventually rescue arrived. This was to be the start of a most entertaining day as, when the group arrived, they were immediately put into four teams and their ability to work together was tested to the full. One group set off into the distance on mountain bikes. Another group began clambering up the new climbing wall, Of the other two groups, one had to undergo a series of challenging team games that involved water, minefields and tyres; the other set off in kayaks. 

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The Largs Viking Festival comeptition hosted an entertaining and fast flowing skateboard competition a as children got the opportunity to test out their dazzling array of skills on Largs seafront.