SERIOUS issues over the multi-million pound Quarry Road development have not been addressed.

That’s according to Irvine West Labour candidate Louise McPhater who says she will make sure residents’ views are heard on the £3million project.

She insists issues surrounding traffic management and the size of the proposed football 4G football pitch are still to be addressed.

Last year, Louise helped organise a forum for Irvine residents to share their views on the development.

And if elected to the Irvine West council seat on August 11, Louise says she will ensure this will continue.

She said: “Quarry Road is a big development and we need to ensure that, unlike with the planning decision for the new leisure centre where local people’s views were brushed aside by the local SNP councillor who used his casting vote as the chair of planning to push it through, the views of local people are heard.

Irvine Times:

“Council officers were going to make the planning decision on the first phase of the development but Labour councillors called it in to ensure that elected councillors will decide. This is important, it ensures transparency and means that views are considered in public.

“From talking to hundreds of people in the local area about the development I know that there is widespread concern about traffic. 

“Quarry Road is already used as a rat run for people avoiding the traffic in the town and this development will only increase the number of cars on the road.

“There needs to be a traffic management system put in place that ensures traffic flows in a safe and efficient way. There is a school nearby and safety must be paramount."

Louise added: “In addition, we were promised a full sized indoor football pitch. In many respects this is the most attractive part of the development. Having a first class indoor sports pitch would be of great benefit to Irvine. 

“However, I am concerned by rumours that the proposal is already being scaled back to a 7-a-side or 9-a-side pitch. I won’t sit back and accept that, we need a full sized pitch to gain the full benefit of the facility.

“Throughout my campaign I have focused on local issues like this. It’s why I am standing, to be the voice of local people on the council and in our community.”