Caravan site could be new uni car park Club lease is up in 2020
Council chiefs have denied hatching a secret plot to ditch a top tourist attraction.
Ayr’s Craigie Gardens Caravan Park could make way for a giant car park, it has been claimed.
It comes as officials bid to cut long running traffic problems around the town’s university.
A 30-year lease between the caravan club and council, due to expire in 2020, is understood to be on shaky ground.
A caravan insider said: “It is the talk of the park that extending the lease will not be an option.
“The parking problems in Craigie are well publicised and this would be seen as an easy solution.
“But the site brings in hundreds of holidaymakers to the town every year and is a real success.
“It would be another council disaster if they decided to get rid.”
The site, run by national Caravan and Motorhome Club, boasts space for 90 touring pitches.
Their spokesman said: “Craigie Gardens is a popular Caravan and Motorhome Club site and our members contribute significantly to the local economy.
“Discussions with the landlord of the site on the lease arrangements are ongoing.
“When these discussions are concluded we will be better placed to comment further.”
Craigie councillor, Labour’s Ian Cavana, said: “While this idea would alleviate congestion problems overnight, it is not something I could support.
“The caravan club brings in a lot of money to the town and plays a very important role in the local economy.
“You need to book a space six months in advance – the place is mobbed.”
A council spokesman said: “A 30 year lease was signed for the site in 1991 which remains in place until 2020, and we are not aware of any issues with the lease-holders.
“The agreement has worked well for more than 25 years and if there are any issues with the existing terms we would urge the leaseholders to contact us directly.”