Warning of 'absolute chaos' over A78 closure plan in Largs

As we reported last week, all the town's North Ayrshire councillors have voiced their opposition to proposals by Amey to shut the A78 for resurfacing between the Haylie Brae and Morrisons on the weekend beginning Friday, May 17.

One of the five North Coast ward councillors, Tom Marshall, says Amey announced its plans after consulting "interested parties - including the council itself.

Councillor Marshall said: "All five North Coast councillors were present at a Teams meeting convened by Amey on Friday , April 5 to discuss a proposed closure of the A78 through Largs  from the Haylie Brae to Morrisons on the weekend of May 17 in order to do a comprehensive resurfacing programme.

"There is no urgent need to execute these works at that date. 

"All five councillors were unanimous in opposing this timescale being in the middle of the tourist season, and suggested that late October would be more acceptable. 

"Such a weekend closure would result in absolute chaos through the town, with extensive queueing on all entrances, and would have a deleterious effect on businesses who depend on the tourist trade for their survival. 

"Unfortunately, Amey had previously consulted a number of interested parties, including the council, who all apparently agreed that that these works could go ahead as planned. "

Road rage: Cllr Tom Marshall has written to North Ayrshire Council over matter (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Marshall said he has asked that the unanimous opposition from all five North Coast councillors - himself, Todd Ferguson, Ian Murdoch, Eleanor Collier and Alan Hill - be noted by the authority.

He said: "I would be interested to know who, on behalf of the council, informed Amey that the works could proceed in the middle of the tourist season and why."

North Ayrshire Council have been contacted for comment.