Chapel Lane looks set to be shut for around six weeks for urgent work at the rear of the King’s Arms Hotel in Irvine following recent storm damage.

An assessment carried out after roof slates were dislodged by high winds has revealed structural issues with the rear, lower section of the building.

Council has since confirmed that the best course of action is to demolish this section of the building with work due to get under way as early as this week (week commencing February 28).

This comes after Irvine West Conservative Cllr Scott Gallacher informed residents the lane is expected to be closed off for six weeks.

A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, as some elements of the work will require to be undertaken by hand, the works may take a number of weeks. In the interest of public safety, Chapel Lane will require to remain closed during this period.

"The demolition will not impact upon the front section of the building facing the High Street and will not adversely impact proposals to redevelop the building into six new homes as part of North Ayrshire Council’s ambitious housing programme.

"The six amenity properties will be a mix of one and two-bedroom homes with redevelopment work currently scheduled to get under way later this year.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will seek to progress the demolition works as quickly as possible."