The long running hassles and disruption to the faulty Largs seafront car park barrier has resulted in "tens of thousands of pounds being squandered", a local councillor has claimed.

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch told the News that he is fuming at the ongoing faults and problems at the pay facility on the seafront car park since "day one", when it was introduced last summer at a cost of £60,000.

Ian said: "I am still waiting on outcome of my concerns over the seafront car park operation which I have given to North Ayrshire Council.

"I have made it clear that the amount of times I have passed car park and barrier is up and broken, or people stuck in car park, has been numerous. I shouldn't have to be going over and over againi about it.

"I proposed that we brought in the new £60,000 infrastructure but not for one moment did I think it would lead to all these problems as the whole intention was to improve efficiency and the visitor experience, with increased income to go to local projects, and also to start help paying off the loan for the works on the seafront public toilets.

"I am hoping that we can get some kind of resolution and something which is efficent and wors correctly for next summer rathr than the current system which is useless.

"As a tourism town, it is very disillusioning to see it operating in such a manner - officers at North Ayrshire Council are going to look at the complaints made and come back to me and see where we can go with it.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

 

"Largs is popular and people continue to visit the town in high numbers so we have to get the basics right."

"For the seafront car park not to be earning the kind of income it should be and not working to full capacity is very disappointing, and tens of thousands of pounds are slewing out the gate as the infrastructure is so ineffective and unreliable.

"It is about time we get a system that works and a car park which earns what it could earn and spend it on local area like we are supposed to rather than it sailing out the gate for free."

A council worker has been brought it to oversee the parking and collect monies at the seafront car park during peak periods to offset the problems, but Ian Murdoch pointed out: "Guess how that is paid for? The council seafront car park! Why are we spending money on bringing in a council employee when the car park should be working anyway?

"Whatever happens with the car park we have to find a solution for next summe which maximes efficiency and earning potential."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Technical issues with the operation of the car park are reported from various sources and we always endeavour to identify a solution and rectify any fault as quickly as possible.

“Car park users are encouraged to follow the on-site guidance should they experience any problems when exiting the car park and a member of our staff will attend as a matter of urgency to assist.”