The Friends of the Harbour Arts Centre group have disbanded after they said they could no longer work with the council.

North Ayrshire Council this week admitted the end of FOHAC was a “loss”, but insisted it would be business as usual.

And they said the Irvine centre remained “central” to their future art and entertainment plans.

After talks with the council, the FOHAC board agreed to dissolve the organisation.

The chair of the volunteer group said they were unable to promote and deliver art activities and events for the community without the full support and commitment of NAC.

Evelyn Caputa said: “It is with sadness and as my final act as chair of FOHAC, to announce officially the dissolution of the Friends of the Harbour Arts Centre.

“After talks with NAC representatives, the board felt they could no longer work in partnership, therefore we would be unable to promote and deliver creative activities and events that are of benefit to the community and increase access to the arts and the people visiting and participating at the Harbour Arts Centre, without the full support and commitment of North Ayrshire Council.

“On a more positive note, It was an amazing experience and I cannot thank everyone enough for their help, support and funding.

“I want to thank all the amazing board members (past and to date), as well as all the fantastic volunteers who have given their time in kind to run the organisation, as well as the creative arts specialists employed to deliver many of our amazing events.

A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said: “The Harbour Arts Centre (HAC) in Irvine remains central to the delivery of the arts offer in North Ayrshire and will continue to operate as part of the Council’s Connected Communities team.

“While the group’s decision to dissolve is a loss to the HAC, the Friends of the HAC were not responsible for the programming of the facility or managing the centre, although their support was very much appreciated.

“The partnerships with the various groups who use the HAC for performances and exhibitions are still in place and remain fruitful for all involved.

“The HAC has a full exhibition programme stretching into 2019 and will remain key to North Ayrshire’s arts calendar. “The creative classes for both adults and children is developing with more groups and businesses taking a role in the delivery of the classes, helping to support and nurture our local talent and business ethos.

“The summer programme, in particular, is exceptionally busy. The theatre programme continues to deliver both touring and community productions, allowing us to support local groups and small companies.

“The music programme is well served by the partnership with Freckfest and comedy is supported through a partnership with Side Splitters Comedy, while the festive season is again being delivered by Scotch Broth, a Largs-based theatre company.

“The ability to nurture local talent and support local business while offering a well-balanced creative and cultural programme is a key factor in the work of the HAC.”