Irvine's official traveller site has been given a rebrand after residents raised concern over discrimination from its name.

A proposal to replace North Ayrshire’s sole permanent traveller site’s street name from Redburn Caravan Site to Redburn Grove was given the green light at Irvine Locality Partnership last week.

This is after a petition from the site’s residents group, saying discrimination can occur towards the travelling community from ‘caravan site’ being used in their address.

The move was officially approved after residents contacted North Ayrshire Council’s traveller co-ordinator Blair Kerr, with Redburn Grove felt to be fitting to the surrounding area after consultation.

Irvine West Labour Cllr Louise McPhater said: “This request from the tenants is far from unreasonable and would eliminate so much discrimination towards the residents. I fully support this change of street name.”

Irvine Locality Partnership chair SNP Cllr Marie Burns, said: “The request for the change of name came from the residents themselves who were concerned about potential discrimination if the words ‘caravan site’ were in their address.

“Irvine Locality Partnership recognised their concerns and we were happy to support this proposal unanimously. The name Redburn Grove is in keeping with the surrounding area.”

Redburn Grove is North Ayrshire’s only official permanent site catering to the travelling community, with 16 individual pitches at a weekly rent of £85.89.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “The decision to change the name to Redburn Grove was approved by the Irvine Locality Partnership. Consultation was undertaken with local members and advertised.”