Lorne Arcade gates plan attracts 100 objections

Plans to install security gates at both ends of the Lorne Arcade in Ayr have sparked more than 100 objections, the Post can reveal.

The backlash against the proposals follows our exclusive story which told how the arcade owners, the Wood Property Group Ltd, plan to gate-off the arcade outwith trading hours.

If approved, aluminium gates at each end would come down outwith trading hours, meaning members of the public will not be able to access the shortcut from High Street into Arthur Street and vice-versa.

The planning application has been lodged with South Ayrshire Council for consideration.

But the firm behind the proposals defended their plans, claiming the levels of mess, dog fouling, vagrancy and general anti-social behaviour at night is now at“unacceptable levels”and their“key priority”is to address it.

They also issued a statement on social media saying there is“no asserted right of way through the arcade”and access through the historic thoroughfare is“not public.”

However, the proposals have sparked a storm of protests on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal.

Some claim that business operations in Arthur Street would be adversely affected if the gates are in place.

Others have highlighted personal security concerns.

Ainslie Woods said in her objection:“I would strongly object to this - Arthur Street is filled with businesses. Through doing this you are affecting many businesses that Ayr town so desperately needs to continue staying afloat.”

And Jordan Kane said:“Closing this is a terrible idea! This is an essential route from the bus station/beach/ that side of town onto the High Street! And closing this would have an impact on local businesses looking for the passing trade.”

Popular eaterie and bar, the Arthur Street Kitchen, has also lodged an objection, which read:“If this is accepted by South Ayrshire Council, it could result in businesses along Arthur Street closing within months. This would kill Arthur Street.”

Amid Hood has personal safety concerns. She said:“I strongly object to the Lorne Arcade closing at night. Having worked in the Ayr 8 Ball Pool Club since opening 10 years ago, I have always used the Lorne Arcade on my way to the bus stop to commute home.

“It is often the last bus home I will use, and if the Lorne Arcade were to shut at night I would need to walk the long way round. I am a young woman and this would make me feel extremely vulnerable.

“There are many members of Ayr 8 Ball who are elderly, as well as an Enable pool team.

“We also have many customers who come in with additional needs and their carers, who use the Lorne Arcade on their journey to the club and home again. This would be a massive inconvenience to us all.”

Kahraman Canturk, from Forum Phones, is in favour of the security gates, adding:“We are in support of the application to install security shutters and believe this will help protect our business and reduce the anti social behaviour within the arcade.”

The Wood Property Group are currently investing a six-figure sum in revamping the Lorne Arcade.

They said:“The levels of mess, dog fouling, vagrancy and general anti social behaviour later at night is now at unacceptable levels and as such protecting the property and shops is a key priority.

“Access from Carrick Street and Newmarket Street remain available 24/7.”

A decision on the proposals is expected this month.