Advertising billboards and now floral displays could soon be bidding to grab drivers attention at Irvine’s busiest roundabouts if plans are approved.

Planning applications for seven billboards at the Stanecastle roundabout, six at the Hill Interchange and five for the Victoria Roundabout from Marketing Force Limited (MFL) were validated by planners last week.

Another nine would be displayed across three roundabouts in the Riverway Retail park.

Four adverts would be placed at Marress roundabout, Towerlands Interchange, Newhouse, Nethermains, Three Stanes, Merryvale, and Portland roundabouts, with three at Fullarton, Greenwood, Millgarholm, Annick and Corsehill Mount roundabouts.

The Radio City roundabout in Kilbirnie would also have four if plans are approved.

This comes after the money making scheme was previously approved at cabinet – despite safety fears from the SNP that drivers will be distracted at the circular junctions – with plans for floral bed sponsorship to be considered this week.

SNP Cllr Tony Gurney said: “The last thing a driver needs when they are getting to a roundabout is something to distract them. Given the safety implications I think it is not enough return to take those risks. ”

The council aims to raise £20,000 from the new venture, with officers stating the advertising move could boost the local economy and make money for services.

All agreements made with advertisers will include a statement that the council would still carry out its statutory duties with impartiality regardless of deals.

North Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane said: “We all know the significant challenges facing local businesses as they emerge from the pandemic, so we have to come up with new ways to support our local economy while at the same time protecting our services

“By allowing sponsorship of the floral beds, it allows these displays to continue to brighten communities while also raising the profile of local businesses. Our Community Wealth Building Strategy commits to supporting the regeneration of our communities by maximising all of our land and assets and this initiative will help play a small part in that while fostering civic pride, improving the aesthetic value of our streetscapes and providing a sustainable funding model for floral bed provision.”

Cabinet papers added: “The reputation and credibility of North Ayrshire must not be damaged by making agreements with unsuitable third parties.”

Marketing Force Limited (MFL) state: “The proposed signage will display the North Ayrshire logo along the bottom of the sign. The location identified has been verified as suitable for this type of sponsorship advertising by North Ayrshire Council. The location identified is in non-conservation and non-residential areas. The signs will be static, kept low to the ground and is at a location where there is no infringement on highway sight lines.

“The signs provide a legal platform on which local businesses can promote themselves at the selected locations. The initiative promotes North Ayrshire’s support of the local economy by enabling locally based businesses to legally promote themselves in this way.”