A BUSY Irvine road has been illegally closed by a utilities company who refused to seek 'appropiate' permission. 

Long Drive between Stanecastle Roundabout and Montgomery Park has been shut down by an external company who failed to follow procedures. 

North Ayrshire Council launched an investigation after the road was shut down this morning. 

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council: “Following an investigation, we have confirmed that an external utilities company closed the road without appropriate permission, and we have had an assurance that the road will be re-opened by midday.

"We are taking up the matter with the company involved.”