North Ayrshire Council is currently developing the Mill Burn Flood Protection Scheme to reduce the risk faced by many homes and businesses within Millport of flooding from the Mill Burn, especially along Crawford Street, Cardiff Street and Golf Road.

As part of the flood protection scheme, a new sea defence wall will be built along West Bay Road. A 494m long x 900mm diameter overflow culvert to alleviate the volume of water passing through the existing Mill Burn at high flows will discharge water through this wall onto the beach.

The new wall will run from Cozy Corner to the beach access ramp in the west corner of the bay over a distance of 57 metres.

To enable the construction of this sea defence wall, it was initially expected that West Bay Road would need to be closed to vehicles for the duration of the wall construction works.

However, West Bay Road will remain open to single-lane traffic during the works with short-term full closures only being put in place as required for major crane-lifting operations.

Contractor McFadden (Civils) Ltd has been appointed to carry out the defence wall and culvert works, which are expected to be completed – weather permitting - by the end of June 2026.

Work is planned to start on 26 January.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “It is good news that the anticipated closure of West Bay Road is not necessary. Keeping the road open as a single lane for vehicles – rather than closing it entirely - will help traffic flow around the island and allow islanders and visitors to get from A to B during the duration of construction.

“Access for wheelers, walkers and cyclists will be maintained throughout the construction period and – where possible – short-term closures of West Bay Road will be off-season.”

The council carried out public consultation in March and April last year, including: an online questionnaire; an exhibition of the plans at Garrison House, where residents could also complete the survey; an information drop-in session with Council staff and leaflets outlining the works being delivered to homes and businesses on the island.

Feedback from the consultation showed that residents’ preference was for construction to start in winter to minimise disruption to the community.

The works are costing in the region of £3.68 million, with the Scottish Government contributing 80% towards the overall costs and the council meeting the rest.

Residents and businesses on the island will receive a letter from the Council outlining the plans before works begin.

McFadden (Civils) Ltd will host a drop-in information day at Garrison House, Glasgow Street, Millport, on Wednesday, 21 January from 11am to 5pm to explain the project to interested parties.