NO CHANGES are to be made to polling places in Irvine ahead of the Referendum on Independence - despite concerns about Bourtreehill.

A review of polling places and districts in North Ayrshire has revealed fears that the already low turnout in the area could be further affected by the closure of three local primaries.

A representation was received from local MP Brian Donohoe, who expressed concern at the loss of Broomlands Primary and Fencedyke Primary Schools as polling places for elections, feeling the loss will have a negative impact in an area with already poor turnout.

He asked that consideration be given to providing alternative locations in the areas in the form of “portakabins in the playgrounds” or a nearby location.

However, council officers are expecting the new Elderbank Primary School to be opened in August 2014, after which it will be available as a polling place.

The school will bring together pupils from Broomlands, Fencedyke and Towerlands.

However, Irvine Councillor John Easdale also had his own concerns about Towerlands Primary School. He told a meeting of the full council last week: “I am very concerned that at the last election turnout in that area was in the very low teens.

“I put that down to the polling station being moved from Towerlands Primary. Though it’s not been used for a number of years, the problem is that people in those districts have to get a bus ride of three or four stops to Towerlands Community Centre, or its a four mile return journey by car.

“The school is quite a central and normal place for people to be voting and will still be there, even after it’s closed, and could be brought back into use to help people exercise their civic duty.” However, councillors agreed not to make any changes to Irvine polling places before the Referendum in September 2014, after which further consultations could be made.

The survey also raised concerns about voter confusion being caused by constituents from both Central Ayrshire and North Ayrshire being sent to Love Memorial Hall in Kilwinning.

It was suggested this could be solved with better signage and directions in future.