Largs: Concerns aired over amount of businesses closing

The matter came up for discussion during a recent meeting of the community council.

Community councillor Margaret Woods told attendees that the situation was "worrying" given that three prominent businesses in the town - Cafe Renard, Buena Onda and Jenny's Wardrobe - had closed.

She said: "It is a very difficult situation for shopkeepers and hospitality owners due to the rates and rents being astronomical - something needs to be done to help the businesses in the town. 

"There are so many empty businesses. There are so many empty buildings."

Largs Main Street (Image: Newsquest)

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch said: "The rates are set nationally and not by the council and you are right, the rates are too high, and businesses need more support.

"I feel we need to also look at the positives. Largs is a popular town for visitors because of its magnificent seafront views, there are plenty of popular businesses in the town, and lots of people like to visit.

"Yes, a few businesses have shut down lately but I know there has been interest in people taking the lease of some of these empty places.

"We have also heard that Marks & Spencer foodhall will open in early 2025. I am a bit disappointed in that as I thought they would have been open a lot sooner, however, their Linlithgow premises are about to open, and the Largs one is on the list.

"I have tried to get the council involved with the vacant M&Co situation to see if we can get a tenant on it. Someone has been working on the building but it appears to be the owners."

Wendy Low Thomson said: "Some of the M&Cos have opened back up and again.

"I'd be surprised if some of the businesses are not shut before too long."

Margaret Woods (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Alan Hill stated that the rent charged by landlords was proving a stumbling block and Wendy Low Thomson also raised concerns about the situation, saying rent being charged was "too much."

A motion calling for North Ayrshire Council to write a letter to the First Minister asking for a rates relief scheme to be restarted for the new financial year was supported by all sides at last month's council meeting.

Councillor Tom Marshall, who lodged the motion, described the recent closure of the three local businesses as a "hammer blow" to the town.

He pointed out at the council meeting that it is now costing coffee shops £1,000 a week in rates demands.

In a positive for the high street, the works are well underway on the former Lounge building in Largs, which is having a six-figure investment to open as a new bar, restaurant and club room in the summer, with the second stage of a boutique hotel, set for 2025.

The historic sandstone building in Main Street was recently acquired by 'Project 33' - a business run by a couple with long-term links to the town.