A FORMER local businessman has backed the case to keep the lifeline ferry services going from Ardrossan to Arran.

John Baxter of Baxter’s jewellers of Saltcoats says it is important that the very long established route stays where it is.

John said: “I read an article in Scottish Life Magazine and it was titled ‘20 things to love about Arran’ and it said ‘Getting on the Calmac Ferry, those 55 minutes of tightly coiled anticipation should be spent on deck on the hard plastic seats or hanging over the rail as Arran, wrapped in a worn overcoat of green brown and purple heather, slowly comes into view.’

“The route is well established, you think of places that have thrived and they are normally on the coast and because of harbours but to remove the route from Ardrossan would be to take from the have nots and give to the haves.

“Troon has the golf and a very prosperous community and to take the ferry from Ardrossan would be against what Theresa May said when she came into power, she said ‘Let’s build a fairer Britain’.

“You’re not doing that if you take the ferry away.

“A move away from Ardrossan is something that would affect all businesses and practically every individual in the Three Towns.

“It is time to stand up and be counted.

“Write to Humza Yousaf, write to Nicola Sturgeon and write to your local MP.

“Give them a huge pile of mail to make the case for Ardrossan and make sure they can’t move the ferry.”