LOCAL residents will be asked for their views as North Ayrshire Council investigates options to improve access at Stevenston Beach.

At the end of last year, the footbridge at the beach had to be closed off on safety grounds.

The bridge was closed was because the structure had experienced years of coastal erosion, exacerbated by changes in the flow of Stevenston Burn, which destroyed the steps that lead down to the beach and caused them to sink into the sand.

A council spokesperson said the authority had considered several options to solve the issue of members of the public being able to access the beach.

One of the options was to try and bring the existing footbridge back into use.

However, due to the continuing erosion and practical, economic and environmental reasons, they ruled this would not be viable.

A further option for the council was to create new paths to the beach and this will be investigated further.

They will also carry out an investigation into how disabled access – which the footbridge did not provide – can be offered.

The first stage in the process will be for the council to carry out a study on the potential creation of paths.

This feasibility study will consult the public and is expected to take place in summer.

A site meeting was recently held at the beach with Saltcoats and Stevenston councillors John Sweeney, Davina McTiernan and Cameron Inglis, and council officers Arthur Cowley and Martin Miller.

Councillor Tony Gurney, NAC's cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “This footbridge was well used by dog walkers and people going for a stroll on the beach or enjoying the beach with their families.

“We will ensure that the public are consulted as we work to find the best solution, and we will also be very mindful of the surrounding environment.”

Details of the exact form the consultation will take have yet to be made public.