Major works to revitalise North Ayrshire town centres are moving up a gear.

The £1.4 million programme will see major improvements carried out in Stevenston and Dalry as well as smaller-scale projects in Kilbirnie, West Kilbride and Beith.

The regeneration scheme is funded through the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund with the aim of helping town centres diversify and flourish.

North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet allocated funding of £500,000 each to regeneration works in Stevenston and Dalry and physical works are expected to begin in the coming months.

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “We recognise the importance of our town centres, not only to our economy but also to local residents.

“The Town Centre Fund will direct money to projects which will make a tangible and visible difference to our local communities. It will be important that we continue to prioritise investment and regeneration of our town centres”

The work includes improving the poor condition of buildings in Dalry and in Stevenston there will be works to provide an improved pedestrian environment.