RESIDENTS and shopkeepers are being invited to a special event to discuss the ongoing public realm works in Irvine town centre.

The drop-in session takes place on Wednesday, August 1, and has been arranged by the council to keep everyone up-to-speed with the development.

Initial drainage works to the High Street were completed earlier this month – with the road now re-opened.

The phased works to improve the paving will now begin.

Cllr Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “These works are for everyone – for the shopkeepers, for the public and, ultimately, for the whole of North Ayrshire. An attractive and vibrant Irvine town centre benefits us all.

“We recognise there will be some disruption but we will seek to minimise this and the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

“We hope people come along and get a better understanding of what we’re trying to do.”

The contractor for the works Maclay Civil Engineering Ltd will also be at the session.

The contractors will be based in a retail unit in Bridgegate Square with a regular drop-in facility each Thursday afternoon, when they will be available to speak to businesses and residents to provide regular updates.

It will also be possible to ar range to meet the contractor by appointment.

The first phase of the Public Realm works – due to begin on July 30 – will begin on the pavement at High Street North focusing on small sections at a time.

Work will be undertaken at the Vennels, Bank Street and High Street South and is expected to be complete by the end of 2019, concentrating on improving the roads and pavements.

The drop-in session takes place from 10am until 3pm in Unit 19T on Bank Street.