Largs 2004: Bid to prevent flats development at Queen's hotel

SNP Councillor Alan Hill believed the development was in conflict with the building line and wanted the application to be referred to a local government ombudsman.

Speaking to the News, Councillor Hill said: “North Ayrshire Council voted to accept a recommendation from the planning committee for the closure and demolition of the Queen’s Hotel.

"Following the opposition of the proposed development at Douglas Street, many local residents pressed the council for conservation status for Largs seafront.

“The suggestion was rejected by the council’s planning department who suggested instead that they would produce a planning brief, which would clearly state that the building lines between Douglas Street and Brisbane Street would be maintained.

“As a result of the proposed planning brief, nine individuals withdrew their objections to North Ayrshire Council’s Local Plan."

The hotel was actually demolished at the start of 2021 to pave the way for a new block of luxury apartments which are currently under construction.

John Harkin froze out the national competition when he walked away with the amazing title of ice cream van vendor of the year.

In a Britain-wide competition run by the Ice Cream Alliance,  the 22-year-old - owner of Bay Ices - was up against some cool customers when he travelled to Harrogate after being nominated by the very people he serves in Skelmorlie, Inverkip and his home village of Wemyss Bay.

Yet, in spite of the stiff competition, John walked away with the prestigious Mobiler of the Year 2004 title for his superior ice cream service.

The young businessman was then put through his paces as he delivered ice creams live to local people on Radio Scotland.

There was something far wrong with policing in Largs if officers were not able to respond to calls — that was the criticism levelled at the local force by Councillor Bobby Rae.

Residents expressed grave concerns over the lack of police presence in the town and say it is only a matter of time before the situation goes from bad to worse.

One Largs woman hit out at the appalling lengths she had to go to in order to simply get in contact with the local police.

Out walking a dog with her husband on Saturday night, the resident noticed a group of underage teenagers at Mackerston under the influence of alcohol.

“The girls’ legs were going beneath them,” she said. ”We were very concerned so I called the police and eventually got through to Saltcoats at around 7.40pm. 

Largs Police Station (Image: Newsquest)

"On the road back there was no sign of police so we headed round to the Largs station ourselves and found it was closed - we couldn’t believe it. This was now 8.40.

“I phoned Saltcoats again at 8.50 and twice we got ‘You are held in a queue’. They told us that they were busy dealing with a serious road accident in Main Street and that we were advised to call Kilmarnock. I was told it was a problem with the police everywhere.

"I phoned back and spoke to a Sergeant Ferguson at Saltcoats. Basically he said ‘We do not have the resources available’. ‘What I want to know is, who polices Largs in the event of a road accident or other drama?”

Cllr. Rae followed up the resident’s concerns and intends writing to Strathclyde Police about the matter.

It was Question Time at Largs Academy as pupils Laura Hamilton, Scott Stewart and Natasha Stephens prepared to give a talk to their class mates and members of the Largs Rotary Club. 

And at the Largs Academy PTA coffee morning, mum Patricia McCracken was pictured with her daughter Suzanne (5th Year) and friend Ross Dawson (3rd year).

And Largs Scouts were putting the fun into fundraiser by hosting a coffee morning event in the town which was well attended with a super team of helpers and volunteers.