Plans for a £135,000 refurbishment at a popular Saltcoats pub and restaurant have been approved by North Ayrshire Council.

The Salt Cot in Hamilton Street is set to undergo full external redecoration, new signage, beer garden improvements and roof repair.

Plans for the refurbishment were submitted in October and were approved last week.

The plans include new furniture and lighting in the beer garden, the refurbishment of the existing wind break screen, and new illuminated signs.

They also include the replacement of Summer opening doors (the current ones are nailed shut).

Outside, there are proposals to remove the existing brick planter to the rear of the bin store to make more room. A new timber enclosure will be formed at the existing bin store.

The ramp into the beer garden will be jet-washed and existing paving slabs relayed, with any broken slabs replaced.

The company also plans to conduct external decoration to the front elevation, left-hand side elevation and rear elevations. It is proposed that the right-hand side elevation will be left as exposed render.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Salt Cot is an extremely popular pub and we are always keen to offer our customers the best possible pub.

“We believe the work will be welcome by customers.

“The investment highlights our commitment to both the pub and Saltcoats itself.”

The works are expected to start in the New Year. Wetherspoons is not proposing to close the venue during the works.