NORTH Ayrshire Council has issued an open invitation to everyone who wants to play a part in the #saveourferry campaign to attend a special event being held in Ardrossan Civic Centre next Thursday evening.

The campaign has already gained support from hundreds of local people who want to retain the ‘shortest, fastest, cheapest’ ferry link between Ardrossan and Brodick as well as protecting the local economy and safeguarding jobs, following a bid by Troon Harbour owners to ‘poach’ the ferry there.

Those who attend the event on Thursday, November 24 at 7pm will get to hear the true facts about why the Ardrossan link is better for locals, tourists and islanders alike.

And they will get to share their views and suggestions on how the campaign continues to convince Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to retain the Ardrossan crossing.

The Council is working hard, along with Ardrossan Harbour owners Peel Ports, to present the strongest possible case for saving Ardrossan. Proposals are being developed for multi-million-pound investment which will not only future-proof the ferry link for many years to come but will result in a complete transformation of the harbour and surrounding area.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane is asking local people to throw their weight behind the campaign and bring their ideas and proposals along to the event.

He said: ‘‘We are already fighting tooth and nail but we need as many local residents and businesses as possible to step up and play their part and show that Ardrossan folk won’t stand by and let unscrupulous businessmen steal our ferry away from us.

‘‘The level of misinformation being spread about Ardrossan is scandalous and it’s time local people fought back. We need to get the message out as far and wide as possible that Ardrossan is as reliable as Troon and has much better rail links - with a station right in the harbour. A move to Troon would increase passenger fares, reduce the number of daily sailings and would decimate the local economy and kill off regeneration plans.

‘‘I’m asking every Ardrossan resident and business - please come along and play your part in saving our ferry and our town.’’