Irvine residents have voiced concerns on reopening the Big Idea bridge to Ardeer after Stevenston community representatives objected to the plan.

Stevenston community councillors asked for the Ardeer peninsula to be removed from the the councils Ayrshire Growth Deal funded ‘Great Harbour’ plan fearing the reopened bridge will affect visitor numbers and also environmental concerns.

Proposals including bringing the Big Idea building back into use as well as its footbridge from Irvine Harbour – with a potential second phase involving more extensive development at Ardeer.

Asked what they think about opening the footbridge Irvine residents expressed concerns of environmental damage, as well as others who want to see it brought back into use.

Lynne Dickie said: “It would be lovely to be able to get to see what’s over there but I do think it’s a bad idea, it would end up as a dumping ground, drinking den for the yobs and of course very detrimental to the wildlife.

Tracy Gemmell said: “Not if there’s going to be the litter there is at the beach park and it’s a very biodiverse piece of land, so should be protected.”

Colin Mckenna said: “The bridge would need to have someone there all the time it’s open to close it for boats going in and out. Won’t work. Had issues years ago when big idea was open

While Scott Williamson said: “It would be great to open the bridge for the Ayrshire Coastal Path to go over it.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are currently in the very early stages of what will be a longterm programme delivered over a number of years to make the Great Harbour a must-visit location.

“We are currently tendering for work to carry out a Proof of Concept for the Harbour area in Irvine. This work will consider the key factors required for the Great Harbour to become a successful destination.

“The strategic proposition for the waterfront must be aspirational, but also realistic - building on exciting initiatives such as the Coig and establishing the Great Harbour as a tourism destination that celebrates our unique cultural and heritage assets.

“The programme will initially focus on the Great Harbour and thereafter potential opportunities for the Ardeer peninsula would be explored. This will be done in line with our Community Wealth Building ambitions, our commitment to environmental sustainability and will be steered by the aspirations of our local communities.

“There is no doubt that the views of local communities and stakeholders will be vital as we begin to develop proposals and the views of Stevenston Community Council among others will form part of that consultation.”