ISLANDERS have returned a mixed verdict on the £27 million Millport flood protection scheme after an extensive public consultation concluded.
Throughout April and May, a number of meetings were held to outline the latest designs and plans around the multi-million pound project.
North Ayrshire Council said the turnout to the consultations were low as the pandemic forced sessions online.
A spokesperson said: “It is recognised that this was not the ideal situation and the number of online meetings were increased with the aim of reaching more of the community.
“The consultation meetings were attended by 60 to 70 people and 24 questionnaire responses were received.
“The relatively low number of questionnaire returned is disappointing, but it appears the majority of people were comfortable with the information provided.”
Positive feedback from residents included praise for the wooden seating planned with others saying the new walls will give a ‘much needed facelift to the seafront’.
However, residents were critical of elements of the plan, saying they felt it did not meet with the local character of the town.
A council spokesperson added: “It is all positive feedback about the scheme design, recognising that the views of the community are being taken into account.
“A few strongly negative responses were received to the questionnaire, with other responses including a mixture of positive and negative comments.
“The comments on the visual impact and appearance of the scheme, including preferences for materials, colours and finishes, will be taken into account.
“The comments suggest there are still concerns about the appearance of the onshore works and accessibility to the seafront.”
Residents were asked for additional suggestions for improvements to the Millport seafront area – if funding was available.
The most popular suggestions were to address issues with cyclists using the seafront path, introduce parking restrictions, add more planters, flower beds and trees and to improve shelters on the island.
The council added: “Millport promenade was designated as a core path in 2009, which means that it can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
“A shared use route has been constructed through Kames Bay to provide an alternative route to the promenade at this location.
“The signage aims to encourage cyclists to follow this route, but cyclists cannot be prevented from using the promenade.
“Therefore apart from installing additional signage to encourage the use of alternative routes, the flood protection scheme cannot change the ability of cyclists to use the promenade.”
Article originally appeared on Largs and Millport Weekly News
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