Fears for Ayr Model Boat Club over state of Irvine pond

Members claim the pond has been clogged with vegetation and left in such poor condition in recent years that they will soon no longer be able to use it.

But North Ayrshire Council insists the lack of pond cleaning is part of a biodiversity project for the area.

It was suggested the Ayr Model Boating Club, which includes members from across Ayrshire, switch to another part of the Irvine pond.

But members say that area is unsuitable as it is normally occupied by swans - who have already "clobbered" one model boat.

The club is staging an event at the pond this Saturday from 10am to 4pm and is hoping councillors and officials will drop by so they can see the condition of the site.

Some of the club's bigger events attract model boating clubs from across England and Scotland.

(Image: Charlie Gilmour) A spokesperson said: "We have warned the council unless something is done the club could fold - or alternatively the Ayr Model Boat Club might have to sail from Renfrewshire, where the council there have just completed a major clean up of their own boating pond.

"It seems odd that this should happen when the council are spending a large amount of money as part of the Great Harbour plans.

"We met with Councillor Tony Gurney, who told us the council were 'rewilding' the area to protect biodiversity."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Council officers have engaged with Ayr Model Boat Club regarding the vegetation within the pond and its benefits to the natural environment.

“And we are keen to liaise further with the group and to reiterate our offer to allow them to use alternative areas within the pond for their activities.

“An independent survey of the pond was carried out and this confirmed that the pond is in good condition and the vegetation plays a vital role in the complex ecosystem that provides a natural habitat for wildlife.

“Scottish Government guidance is that we should view our sites through the lens of connectivity and should be working to build up connectivity through North Ayrshire Nature Network.

“The pond - and the grass around it - are part of the wider connected habitat in this area and contribute to the attractiveness of Irvine Beach Park, adding value to the Great Harbour regeneration project.

“We are committed, as part of the new Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the delivery of the Ayrshire Nature Network, to halting biodiversity loss in North Ayrshire by 2030 and being Nature Positive by 2045.”