THE closed car park in Stevenston will be opened for the whole month of December - the owners have revealed.

And the money received from the operators of the Christmas Fair in the town will be going to charity for the second year in a row.

Europe and Jersey Estates closed the car park back in February and there has been an ongoing dispute and negotiations with North Ayrshire Council which culminated on a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) being moved by the council as they try to take ownership of the car park.

The Herald understands that a further offer has been made to Europe and Jersey but it is nowhere near the valuation they hold for the New Street site.

Two Stevenston councillors have welcomed the news that the car park will be opened during the festive period and hope it will continue after the New Year.

A spokesperson for Europe and Jersey said: “The car park will open on December 2 as a goodwill gesture. A donation to a cancer charity will be made from the operators of the Christmas Fair.

“Europe and Jersey are bemused that little or no progress has been made with North Ayrshire Council and at the lack of activity or negotiations.

“NAC want to go to the CPO which will take upwards of two years to resolve.”

Councillor John Sweeney said: “While we’re pleased to see the car park re-open in the run-up to Christmas, we want to see it open 365 days a year for the people of Stevenston.

“Negotiations with the owners are ongoing and we’re hopeful that a long-term solution can be reached.”

Councillor Davina McTiernan added: “I am delighted that the owners of Stevenston Car Park are opening the car park to the public, for events being held in the town, such as the Christmas lights switch on.

“As this is happening, I am also hoping that Stevenston Car Park can remain open as a gesture of good will during North Ayrshire’s Council negotiations.”