RESIDENTS have hit out at an apparent lack of policing during an Ardrossan fun fair last week after reports of congestion, vandalism and alleged anti-social behaviour.

A resident from Central Quadrant expressed her concern over the fair, which took place beside Whitlees Community Centre from Thursday, March 16 until Sunday, March 19.

She said: “It has caused a lot of chaos. Our cars were vandalised. I was ok with the fun fair coming, it’s the vandalism.

“It wasn’t policed enough. The security inside the fair was fine, but outside that fencing the police never came near until it all kicked off, when I phoned them because there were young kids standing about the street drinking alcohol and disturbing the residents.

“My nerves have been shattered the whole weekend. I suffer from high blood pressure and this hasn’t helped.

“They were offering free parking but no one knew where it was going to be so cars ended up alongside people’s houses. They were all parking in my street.”

A grandmother in Cumbrae Terrace added: “I couldn’t get out because someone had parked in front of my drive.

“I love the fair but it’s where they’ve put it that’s the problem. They had it in Jack’s Park last year and there was plenty of space and it wasn’t right in front of houses. It’s crazy for the council to allow it here.”

According to police, a juvenile male was reported in relation to disorderly behaviour and returned to the care of his family. It is not thought to be linked to reports of vandalism.

Inspector Brian Skimming, Police Scotland, said: “Locality Policing Officers were in attendance due to reports of local youths causing a disturbance.

“A car was reported damaged and enquiries are ongoing. Should anyone have concerns regarding anti-social behaviour, we would ask them to contact local officers via 101.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The council received an application for a Temporary Public Entertainment Fairground or Circus Licence for the grassed area at Queens Drive, Ardrossan.

“The applicant was invited to discuss the application with the licensing committee and answer questions raised. Having considered the application, it was approved by the licensing committee.

“Under licensing laws, individual notification of nearby residents did not require to take place. Nevertheless, like all licensing applications submitted to us, the application was advertised beforehand on our public website at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk.”