AN Irvine councillor is calling for a restricted road to be re-opened to motorists.

Since the 1980s, Station Brae leading onto Towerlands Roads has only been open to buses and emergency services.

This has resulted in drivers from Bourtreehill and Broomlands having to take a trip of three miles each way to get to Dreghorn.

But Councillor John Easdale has this week revealed the road could be re-opened following positive talks with bus firm Stagecoach.

The Irvine East councillor says opening up the road to other motorists will make the crossing on Towerlands Road more visible to road users.

With the closure earlier this year of Dreghorn Recycling Centre, Councillor Easdale now sees no reason as to why the no through section on Station Brae cannot be removed.

Speaking this week, he said: “During a discussion I had with Alison McCluskie from Stagecoach a few months ago, I asked if Stagecoach could foresee any issues if Station Brae was fully opened up to motorists?

“I received a positive response, in that Stagecoach could not see any objections, as currently some motorists do not seem to realise the crossroads on Towerlands Road is a junction, opening it up to motorists will make other motorists more aware of the crossing.”

The Labour councillor added: “Originally a section of this road was made a no through road in the early 1980s, as the number 11 Kilmarnock to Ardrossan bus went up or down the Brae every few minutes and travelled through Broomlands, this route stopped a number of years ago and goes through Dreghorn instead.

“Now buses only use the bottom part of the brae and these cover Bourtreehill and Broomlands.”

The councillor added: “Although I will continue to pursue this, I would still like to hear local residents opinions on whether they agree or disagree by emailing me johneasdale@north-ayrshire.gov.uk, calling me on 0777 5691126 or find me on Facebook.”