A NINE-months-pregnant mum-to-be says she was refused entry to Eglinton Park toilets by a "jobsworth" because the cafe was closing.

Alexis McGarry was visiting the beauty spot with friends on Tuesday afternoon before popping into the Tournament Cafe for coffee and a cake, spending just under £20.

The 41-year-old nurse says she and her group left the cafe at 4.30pm - closing time - to go for a walk, but she realised she needed to use the toilet so headed back in just minutes later but claims staff refused to let her in.

Alexis - who is due her baby in just six days’ time on September 8 - told the Times: “We had been in for teas, coffees and something to eat but by 4.30pm, the staff were cleaning up and packing away so we knew they must have been closing so we got up and left. When we went outside I realised I needed to use the toilet so I went to walk back in but the gates at both sides had been closed and locked.

“I was desperate so I went around to the back door and asked one of the female members of staff if I could please use the toilet quickly, but she just said ‘No, we’re closed’. I told her I knew they were closing but it was only 4.35pm and I was desperate, but she just point blank refused to let me back in.

“In the end I just had to cancel going for a walk and just headed home to use my own toilet.” But despite having eaten in the cafe and having been served by staff - council bosses say staff were “unaware” Alexis was pregnant.

A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said: “We would like to apologise to this woman for this very unfortunate situation.

“Our staff were unaware the lady concerned was pregnant as her request was made through a rear staff entrance which obscured their view.

“Our employees would never knowingly leave anyone in this position and we often encounter occasions where visitors with young children or those with medical conditions request access to the toilets after they’ve closed.

“When this occurs and our Country Park staff are made aware of the situation, we endeavour to make suitable arrangements. We will now ensure staff are reminded of this."

However Alexis, from Kilwinning, said the experience left her angry and upset and says she is reluctant to return to the cafe.

She said: “I can’t understand why anyone would do that. If someone asked to use a toilet in the hospital I would go out of my way to help them - especially if they were clearly heavily pregnant.

“She is obviously a total jobsworth and has no customer service skills. We spent almost £20 and she couldn’t even let me use the toilet because it was a few minutes after closing. It’s ridiculous. I was angry and annoyed and it ruined what was a lovely wee day. It has put me off going back, but if I do I’ll make sure I go to the loo before I leave.”