North Ayrshire Council respond in row over lane closure at former King's Arms Hotel

dailyrecord.co.uk:

North Ayrshire Council chiefs claim they are pulling out all the stops to help Irvine Royal British Legion members and churchgoers inconvenienced by an access closure.But the veterans still say more could be done.The shortcut at Chapel Lane has been closed off to allow the construction of new houses at the old Kings Arms Hotel to go ahead.A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We have been in discussions with the Royal British Legion regarding the necessary temporary closure of Chapel Lane.

Unfortunately, there is no option but to close Chapel Lane temporarily in order for the work to be safely undertaken at the former Kings Arms Hotel.“However, we are currently pursuing options which will aim to minimise disruption to those most affected, including the potential support available through our Community Benefits Programme for voluntary and community organisations.“We have been in contact with some of the organisations affected to advise them of various options which may help address their concerns.“In addition, we are marking three accessible parking spaces within the upper West Road car park area while the lower parking area is in use.“We are also arranging for kerbs to be lowered on the diversion route to improve accessibility.“We cannot commit to allowing unrestricted access to the High Street via Bridgegate House but we have indicated that for specific events, we can consider permitting access if it is possible, provided that prior notice is received.”Drivers are also allowed to drop off passengers in West Road or load and unload goods.

But they are not allowed to park on them unless they have a blue badge.Legion chairman Jim Hill said: “The council are playing us along and just giving us some answers and they